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City must commit to big steps for safer streets: speak out July 20 & 27

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Her loved ones described her as a “tiny ball of fire.” But Christine Reed, who was hit while crossing the street in the Mission in late May, ultimately succumbed to her critical injuries from the crash.

Christine had been on her way to the store to pick up groceries, including for a neighbor she’d chatted with on her way. She walked everywhere.

It breaks my heart. And it could have been any of us.

San Francisco should be a city where we can walk to the store, or school, or to the bus without fear of being hurt or killed. And here’s the thing: this is actually possible.

Cities around the world have made big changes and investments in streets to save lives, and it works. But while San Francisco was the second city in the nation to commit to ‘Vision Zero’, its approach to traffic safety hasn’t been nearly as aggressive as needed to save lives like Christine’s. That’s where you come in – because without our voices, city leaders won’t make safe streets a priority.

Will you speak out on Tuesday, July 20 at ~3PM and/or Tuesday, July 27 at ~11AM to ask city leaders to adopt a bold ‘Vision Zero Action Strategy’?

What’s in the Vision Zero Action Strategy will determine if the City’s actually on a path to quickly bring down severe and fatal crashes within three years. And in looking at the draft Strategy, it’s clear we need to push for more. More of the proven solutions that can happen in months, not years. More accountability. More resources.

Before each meeting, we’ll share talking points, plus text and email you when this agenda item comes up so you can share why you care so deeply about safe streets. (Even if you aren’t sure you can make it, sign up!)

On July 20th the SFMTA Board will hear the draft Vision Zero Action Strategy as part of their regular meeting. The meeting starts at 1pm, but the Vision Zero Action Strategy (item #16) likely won’t be heard until at least 3PM. If you sign up to speak, we’ll let you know more on when to dial in. You can view the meeting agenda here. You’ll be making your comment for “Item #16 –  General Public Comment.” 

On July 27, the SFCTA Board, made up of our Board of Supervisors, will have a similar presentation and conversation on the draft Strategy. The meeting begins at 9:30AM. You can view the meeting agenda here. You’ll be making your comment for “Item #16 –  General Public Comment.” Dial 1 (415) 655-0001 to listen to the meeting; Access Code: 146 328 4865 # #. When it’s time for Agenda Item #10 (Vision Zero SF Action Strategy Update), dial *3 to be added to the queue to speak.

Thank you for standing with us for safe streets now more than ever.

Read the Vision Zero Coalition’s letter to SFMTA Director Tumlin.

Volunteer conducting street survey