Far too often our elected officials talk about the safety of our streets only in regards to violent crime, drug dealing, and prostitution. While it is absolutely necessary for the City to address these important community safety issues, it colors the issue of “safe streets” only in terms of crime. But people aren’t only being killed by gunfire. People are also being killed by automobiles. Unlike victims of violent crime, car crash victims seldom get the same amount of attention from our elected officials as they are almost always considered “accidents” – acceptable casualties in our fast-paced way of life. However, it’s time the City stops looking at these as mere accidents. Many of these deaths are preventable with traffic calming, better bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, and stronger enforcement of traffic laws. Our unsafe streets are harming the perception of Pittsburgh and discouraging more people from walking and bicycling. The time has come to expand the definition of “safe streets” beyond crime to include traffic, pedestrian, and bicycle safety.

Pittsburgh needs to acknowledge how dangerous our streets are, and systematically do something to address it. There have been five pedestrian deaths inside the City limits since October. A sixth death occurred in Mt. Oliver. Others have been seriously injured. All of these deaths were due to motorists striking pedestrians. It is time for the City to hire a dedicated Bike/Ped Coordinator – someone who can systematically look at effective ways to slow down traffic, facilitate non-motorized transportation, and actually implement these plans. Hiring a Bike/Ped Coordinator is the first step to making our streets safer for everyone who lives here and visits.

Sincerely,