Title
Recommendation to Approve Joining and Participating in the United States Department of Transportation's (DOT) Mayors Challenge for Safer People, Safer Streets. (City Manager)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: John A. Russo, City Manager
Re: Approve Joining and Participating in the US Department of Transportation's Mayors Challenge for Safer People, Safer Streets
BACKGROUND
Staff became aware of this opportunity from the federal government after the City's publication deadline. The US Department of Transportation's (DOT) "Mayors Challenge for Safer Streets, Safer People" will have its kick-off in Washington D.C. on March 12, 2015. Therefore, staff is requesting City Council approval in time to prepare for this event.
DISCUSSION
The DOT states that Secretary of Transportation 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. Mayors' Challenge participants will be invited to attend the Mayors' Summit for Safer People, Safer Streets in March, and their cities will spend a year helping their communities undertake seven activities to improve safety. The challenge is based on the 2010 DOT Policy Statement on Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodation, which can be found here:
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/bicycle_pedestrian/overview/policy_accom.cfm (Attached as Exhibit 1)
Mayors and other elected city officials can participate by leading a call to action and helping their cities take on the Challenge activities outlined below and excerpted from the DOT's website.
The Mayors' Challenge has a call to action to:
1. Issue a public statement about the importance of bicycle and pedestrian safety
2. Form a local action team to advance safety and accessibility goals
3. Take local action through the Challenge activities
The activities are:
1. Take a Complete...
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