Title
Resolution to Accept the Recommendations of the Pedestrian Safety and Access Task Force
Body
Whereas, On November 18, 2013, City Council created Pedestrian Safety and Access Task Force ("Task Force");
Whereas, Council directed the Task Force to “explore strategies to improve pedestrian safety and access within a framework of shared responsibility,” to “recommend to Council improvements in the development and application of the Complete Streets model, using best practices, sound data and objective analysis,” and to “address sidewalk gaps and create a tool for setting priorities for funding and filling those gaps;”
Whereas, The Task Force delivered its report titled "Pedestrian Safety and Access Task Force Recommendations to City Council" to Council on September 9, 2015; and
Whereas, The Task Force identified five underlying issues to address related to pedestrian safety and access:
• Too often, walking is not an available, safe, comfortable, or convenient choice;
• Unfamiliarity and misunderstanding of traffic laws and local expectation;
• A disconnect between roadway user expectations and physical conditions;
• Failure to consider the perspective of all transportation system users.
• Distracted roadway users;
Whereas, The Task Force established as a recommended goal “zero traffic fatalities,” and;
Whereas, The Task Force identified the following five objectives:
1. Improve pedestrian access and encourage use;
2. Improve understanding of traffic laws and local expectations;
3. Improve the physical conditions of the roadway and pedestrian environment to reflect best practices for pedestrian safety;
4. Address the safety and access for all users;
5. Reduce distractions and minimize consequences;
RESOLVED, The Council accepts the Task Force Report;
RESOLVED, The Council affirms the vision zero goal of zero traffic fatalities by 2025; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator review the Task Force's recommendations and program them as feasible within the constraints of available resources and other priorities.
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator review the Task Force's recommendations and program them consistent with the budget priorities set by Council, beginning with the Fiscal Year 2016 budget.
Sponsored by: Councilmember Warpehoski, Mayor Taylor, and Councilmember Briere
As Amended by City Council on October 5, 2015.