Update 10/19/20:
For far too long Cobbs Creek Parkway has been a deadly thoroughfare weaving through the western edge of West and Southwest Philadelphia.
This must change today.
Sign the petition to join the Cobbs Creek Neighbors Association and 5th Square in demanding PennDOT & the Philadelphia Streets Department to immediately implement road safety measures so no more lives are lost.
Seeing the tragic deaths of pedestrian, Avante Reynolds, in August and two motorists in July, we demand immediate action to make this road safe for all its users. Reports from DVRPC and Philadelphia2035, along with years of advocacy from the community have called for real measures to lower vehicle speeds and increase its safety. This has fallen on deaf ears.
The fact that Cobbs Creek Parkway has been recently repaved without more aggressive measures to calm motor vehicle traffic and provide safe pedestrian crossings amounts to structural racism. These transportation policies have, in effect, prioritized the convenience of passing motorists over the lives of the predominantly Black residents who live near and walk across this dangerous roadway.
PennDOT & the Philadelphia Streets Department need to take robust engineering measures to make the entire length of Cobbs Creek Parkway safe for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike.
High-Priority Measures to Improve Pedestrian Safety
- More Crosswalks to break up large sections without a crossing
- Curb Extensions & Bulb-Outs
- Raised Medians & Pedestrian Islands
- Raised Crosswalks & Speed Tables
- Pedestrian-Activated Beacons (HAWKs or RRFBs)
Other Measures to Improve Roadway Safety
- Speed Cushions
- Hardened Center Lines
- More Traffic Lights & Stop Signs
- Radar Speed Signs
Though engineering measures should be the ultimate solution, we also support automated enforcement measures like the speed cameras found on Roosevelt Blvd and also request the State Legislature to enact laws enabling this.
Join us in demanding immediate road safety measures on Cobbs Creek Parkway.