Today Mayor Kenney issued an executive order that established an Office of Complete Streets as well as a Vision Zero Task Force that will be charged with identifying opportunities to eliminate traffic deaths by 2030.
The Task Force has 120 days to create a short-term and long-term action plan and submit findings to the Mayor, City Council, Managing Director, Deputy Managing Director for Transportation and Infrastructure, and the Chief Clerk of Council. The executive order also establishes the Office of Complete Streets.
Members of the Vision Zero Alliance had the following to say:
“A serious commitment to Vision Zero in Philadelphia will save dozens of lives and many millions of dollars each year and will also improve equity and reduce the high levels of transport poverty in our city," said 5th Square co-founder and Interim Chair David Curtis. "5th Square is encouraged by Mayor Kenney’s announcement, and we look forward to a safer, more equitable, more accessible city for all.”
“AARP Pennsylvania is proud to collaborate with the City of Philadelphia and the AARP Livable Communities Network to continue efforts in making our communities more livable for all ages," said Yocasta Lora, Director of Outreach for AARP Pennsylvania. "The implementation of Philadelphia’s first-ever Vision Zero Executive Order, Philadelphia’s new Office of Complete Streets, and a Vision Zero Task Force highlight the importance of safety, the impact on our economy, and make Philadelphia a more livable community for residents and visitors of all ages.”
“This is an important day for Philadelphia," said Bicycle Coalition Executive Director Sarah Clark Stuart. "We are excited that the Vision Zero Task Force will bring together agencies, community leaders and advocates with a mandate to lay out proven strategies to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2030. This will ultimately make all of Philadelphia’s streets safe for everyone, no matter what their age, income, or neighborhood.”
“We applaud the City’s efforts to advance Vision Zero," said Jason Duckworth of Delaware Valley Smart Growth Alliance. "As our city grows in population and density, we need to ensure that our roads safely accommodate all modes of transportation. Doing so will not just save lives, but make Philly a more desirable place to live and work.”