Mayor Lurie issues executive directive on traffic safety: what it does, what it means

On Monday, Mayor Daniel Lurie issued a wide-ranging executive directive on traffic safety. 

We are glad to see Mayor Lurie step up for safe streets in his first year as mayor. We have been advocating for this since day one of his administration with the support of Walk SF members, the Vision Zero Coalition, Families for Safe Streets, and partners. Read the full text of the executive directive here.

Hearing Mayor Lurie say that “In San Francisco, safety is non-negotiable” is a moment we will not forget – and will not let Mayor Lurie forget, either! 

Mayor Lurie’s executive directive:

• Establishes a first-ever Safe Streets Task Force within the Mayor’s Office. This is a key element of the most successful Vision Zero cities around the world. It brings a commitment and forum for agency accountability into the highest level of city government. Walk SF has advocated for this for many years, and it’s finally happened! 
• Directs agencies to complete many of the actions in the Street Safety Act. The Street Safety Act, which was unanimously supported by the Board of Supervisors in September, is a policy statement – not legislation. As such, the Mayor’s executive directive brings more weight and accountability for agencies to deliver more solutions faster.
• Brings 15 agencies together on traffic safety. This is more agencies than have been included in Vision Zero efforts previously, and speaks to the true interagency and layered approach needed for success. 
• Lays the groundwork to accelerate progress in ending severe and fatal traffic crashes. The Street Safety Initiative commits to the safe systems approach that is the cornerstone of Vision Zero so that if one safety intervention fails, another is there. It also includes several actions that will cut red tape on safety projects so they happen faster.  

When elected leaders make real commitments for safe streets, it’s crucial they hear from people like you that you appreciate what they did that they did – and you’ll be watching for results. So… help us send at least 100 emails to Mayor Lurie this week! 

What the executive directive means

Before and after the City’s Vision Zero policy expired last year, we have been advocating for a renewed commitment plus a more aggressive and systematic approach to traffic safety. The Street Safety Act was a big step forward, but we know that there has to be support at the top of city government. 

Mayor Lurie’s executive directive is an important step because it gives us additional levers and opportunities to shape and win solutions. It doesn’t include everything needed, and we’re analyzing the directive to see what Walk SF needs to watchdog most closely. No matter what, we must keep the pressure on all agencies and Mayor Lurie. We especially need agencies to develop detailed work plans and for Mayor Lurie to hold to the timeline in the directive. 

Our advocacy doesn’t stop and we’ll need you more than ever in 2026! 

I also want to share what Mayor Lurie’s directive means to traffic victims and their loved ones. 

In June, members of Families for Safe Streets met with and shared their stories of trauma, life-changing injuries, and loss with Mayor Lurie. Mayor Lurie heard how traffic safety affects all San Franciscans, of every background. 

On Monday, Christian Rose, an emergency room doctor, crash survivor, and member of Families for Safe Streets, spoke at Mayor Lurie’s press event. Families for Safe Streets members are heartened to see Mayor Lurie commit to prioritizing safety in how streets are designed and enforced.