TITLE: Title
Consideration of Mayor's Challenge for Safer People, Safer Streets
PURPOSE: The purpose of this item is for the Board of Aldermen to receive information about Carrboro's participation in the national Mayors' Challenge for Safer People, Safer Streets, and consider a resolution in support of the Town's activities related to the Challenge.
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DEPARTMENT: Planning
CONTACT INFORMATION: Bergen Watterson - 919-918-7329; Christina Moon - 919-918-7325
INFORMATION: United States Department of Transportation Secretary, Anthony Foxx is challenging mayors and local elected officials to take significant action to improve safety for bicycle riders and pedestrians of all ages and abilities over the next year. (<http://www.dot.gov/briefing-room/us-transportation-secretary-anthony-foxx-launches-%E2%80%9Cmayors-challenge-safer-people-and>) The Town of Carrboro has signed up for the Challenge and will be sending the Mayor and the Transportation Planner to the kick-off Summit for Safer People, Safer Streets in Washington DC on March 12th. The Challenge activities are outlined below, and can be found in more detail in Attachment B:
· Take a Complete Streets Approach
· Identify and address barriers to make streets safe and convenient for all road users, including people of all ages and abilities and those using assistive mobility devices
· Gather and track biking and walking data
· Use designs that are appropriate to the context of the street and its uses
· Take advantage of opportunities to create and complete ped-bike networks through maintenance
· Improve walking and bike safety laws and regulations
· Educate and enforce proper road use behavior by all
Town staff is working to integrate these activities with existing efforts and to identify areas that could use more attention. The Challenge aligns well with existing Town programs such as Watch for Me NC, Bicycle Friendly Community, and Transportation Demand Management (Open Streets, Bike to Work Week, etc.). The Mayor and staff will enlist the Transportation Advisory Board, and potentially other qualified residents, to serve as the local action team and advance safety and accessibility goals as part of the Challenge.
FISCAL & STAFF IMPACT: Planning staff time is expected for the Town's participating in the Challenge, though the exact amount depends on the Town's level of participation and the extent to which related activities can be combined with existing Town efforts. Additionally, the Mayor and the Transportation Planner will attend the kick-off Summit in Washington DC on March 12th.
RECOMMENDATION:r Staff recommends that the Board of Aldermen consider the resolution in Attachment A.