PRESS RELEASE – May 10, 2023
Contact:Jesse O’Sullivan, Policy Counsel
619-301-1381 | [email protected]
Press Release: Advocates and Councilmembers Urge Mayor to Increase Funding for Vision Zero
On May 10, a coalition of San Diego City Councilmembers, safety advocates, and survivors hosted a press conference to urge Mayor Gloria to include additional funding for Vision Zero in the May Revise of the Proposed Budget. The budget asks are outlined in a coalition letter sent on May 2.
All of the budget asks included in the coalition are supported by a majority of the San Diego City Council, but were not included in the Proposed Budget prepared by the Mayor’s office.
“Investing in safe streets saves lives,” said Laura Keenan, co-founder of Families for Safe Streets San Diego. “If San Diego had more protected bicycle lanes, my husband would likely still be alive today and we would be raising our son together.” Laura’s husband, Matt Keenan, was killed by a driver while riding his bicycle in September 2021.
“In 2015, the City of San Diego made a commitment to end traffic deaths and serious injuries,” said San Diego City Councilmember Raul Campillo. “If we are going to meet that goal, we need to invest in street safety.”
“Enhancing our most dangerous streets and intersections will improve health outcomes and build a more equitable and sustainable community for all,” said Councilmember Joe LaCava. “By enhancing safety on our streets, we create more access to opportunities, and reduce carbon emissions, waste, and pollution.”
“Bicycle and pedestrian safety infrastructure are essential for saving lives and creating a thriving city,” said Councilmember Kent Lee. “I urge the mayor to include funding for Vision Zero in the May Revise of the Proposed Budget.”
Steve Shinn, a member of Families for Safe Streets San Diego, spoke about his wife, Laura Shinn, who was killed by a driver while riding her bicycle in July 2021. “Losing her was like losing half of my body and soul,” Steve Shinn said. “Safe bicycle infrastructure will help ensure that no one else has to experience this pain.”
The coalition’s asks include doubling the mileage of new quick build bicycle facilities created by the City’s STAT team, fixing San Diego’s most dangerous intersections, completing an updated bicycle master plan, and installing physical protection for all new full-build class IV bikeways. The combined cost of the budget asks is about $6 million, or roughly three percent of the overall $193.2 million proposed transportation budget.
About Circulate San Diego
Circulate San Diego is a regional nonprofit think tank dedicated to advancing mobility and making the region a better place to move, work, learn and play. Our work focuses on creating great mobility choices, more walkable and bikeable neighborhoods, and land uses that promote sustainable growth. For more information, go towww.circulatesd.org.
About Families for Safe Streets San Diego
Families for Safe Streets San Diego is a group of families who have lost loved ones to traffic crashes or have been affected themselves. Our members support each other, share stories and advocate for safer streets to save lives and other families from our pain. For more information please go to:www.sdfamiliesforsafestreets.org.
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