Mayor Parker’s administration is proposing massive cuts to the city’s Vision Zero program while pedestrian and cyclist deaths remain high.

Road safety advocates in Philadelphia are renewing calls to improve conditions for pedestrians and cyclists in the city, reports Meir Rinde for Billy Penn. “Philly has 7.4 traffic deaths annually per 100,000 residents, according to the city’s 2023 Vision Zero report. That’s slightly lower than Los Angeles, but higher than New York (2.64), Boston (3.23), San Francisco (3.55) and Chicago (6.28).” Last year, 57 pedestrians and 10 people on bikes were killed in traffic crashes, the largest number of cyclist deaths since 2019.
While Mayor Cherelle Parker has touted her commitment to Vision Zero, the administration recently proposed major cuts to the program. The city says funding for traffic safety efforts is included in other budget lines, such as automated traffic enforcement cameras.
Advocates are calling on the city to install concrete bollards or other solid barriers to truly protect cyclists in bike lanes and enforce bike lane parking violations. “Critics also pointed to the small number of Slow Zones approved every year despite high demand from neighborhood groups.”
FULL STORY: The long struggle to reduce traffic fatalities in Philly

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Washington Legislature Passes Rent Increase Cap
A bill that caps rent increases at 7 percent plus inflation is headed to the governor’s desk.

From Planning to Action: How LA County Is Rethinking Climate Resilience
Chief Sustainability Officer Rita Kampalath outlines the County’s shift from planning to implementation in its climate resilience efforts, emphasizing cross-departmental coordination, updated recovery strategies, and the need for flexible funding.

New Mexico Aging Department Commits to Helping Seniors Age ‘In Place’ and ‘Autonomously’ in New Draft Plan
As New Mexico’s population of seniors continues to grow, the state’s aging department is proposing expanded initiatives to help seniors maintain their autonomy while also supporting family caregivers.
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