We showed up to show agencies they must deliver what’s in the new Street Safety Act
If you look at leading Vision Zero cities around the world, there are commonalities for their success: leadership from the top holding agencies accountable for results; all agencies doing their part and working together efficiently; and a data-based, preventative, and systematic approach to traffic safety.
That’s why Walk SF, with some of our wonderful members, showed up at key agency commission meetings this fall.
The new Street Safety Act, authored by District 7 Supervisor Myrna Melgar and passed unanimously by the Board of Supervisors on September 16, includes a suite of important actions for city agencies to take.
But these actions must be operationalized – with the detail, deadlines, and transparency needed to get the work done.
So Walk SF and volunteers went to the public meetings for five key City agencies – the SFMTA, Fire Department, Department of Public Works, Department of Public Health, and Police Department – to push for this to happen.
During public comment, we urged commissioners to hold their agency accountable for the actions outlined in the Street Safety Act. And it was powerful!
I was at the Department of Public Works meeting, where I witnessed the power of advocacy firsthand. Walk SF members shared their personal experiences on San Francisco’s streets. This included witnessing a horrific fatal crash from their window, enjoying Living Alleys in Hayes Valley, and treating traffic crash victims as a physician.
The commissioners thanked us, with the Chair promising to introduce the Street Safety Act as an item on their agenda. A staff member even stepped out of the room to invite Walk SF to email her with any questions. We succeeded in really getting on the radar for DPW commissioners, and at every meeting we attended.
It’s a powerful reminder that a two-minute public comment can make a big impact. But it’s also clear that most of these commissions are rarely discussing traffic safety, making it all the more important that we show up whenever we can.
Mark your calendar for Tuesday, December 16
We anticipate that the SFMTA will vote on its workplan for what’s in the Street Safety Act at the SFMTA Board meeting on Tuesday, December 16 or Tuesday, January 6 at 1:00PM.
This will be a crucial meeting to demand the SFMTA deliver what’s in the Street Safety Act ASAP, with a detailed plan and timeline. If you can give public comment on either of these dates (even if you’re a ‘maybe’), please sign up now to help us be ready to turn out tons of support!
And a big thanks to everyone who showed up with us at these commission meetings – and showing that people demand action on the Street Safety Act!
