A spending freeze on Pedestrian Safety measures (among other things) has been proposed by Mayor Greg Nickels.

Reasons cited include health care and fuel costs, though a safer pedestrian environment would reduce costs for both.

Because more people walking means healthier people and less fuel spent, spending for pedestrian safety is economically sustainable in the long term.

Pedestrian Safety was also the number one priority for the Seattle City Council in 2007. The education and pilot programs in jeopardy are an integral part of efforts to make Seattle safe for pedestrians. They are also integral to Seattle’s Pedestrian Master Plan, which will be available in draft form in the beginning of 2009.

WHAT YOU CAN DO:
1. If you live in Seattle, voice your concerns either by calling or going online.
Tell them you do not support the proposed $750,000 reduction in funding for pedestrian safety.
--Call the Mayor’s office at 206.684.4000.
--OR go online to: www.seattle.gov/mayor/citizen_response.htm and fill in the appropriate fields.
2. Let us know you’ve acted by emailing becca@feetfirst.info.
3. Forward this notice to others.


BACKGROUND:
See this article by the Seattle Times.