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"We have to stop looking at safety as a zero-sum game," District 6 Supervisor Matt Haney told Streetsblog during this morning's Walk to Work Day. Haney was one of some 30 people who walked from Battery and Market to City Hall. "When you make streets safer for bikes, it's safer for walkers, when you make streets safer for walkers, it's safer for drivers... we're out here talking about walking, but making it safer for walking will also save lives of people in cars. We're all in this together," he added.
The financial district walk group, with Supervisor Matt Haney, seen above. Photo: Streetsblog/RudickThe financial district walk group, with Supervisor Matt Haney, seen above. Photo: Streetsblog/Rudick
Haney was one of several politicos who joined walks from around the city to the steps of City Hall, where advocates, Mayor London Breed, and other officials renewed pledges to fight for safe streets. "San Francisco can be and should be the most walkable city in the U.S.," said Walk San Francisco's Jodie Medeiros. "Yet three people are hit every day and six pedestrians and one person riding a bike has already died this year--we are ready for things to change."
"We need vehicles to slow down," said Mayor Breed. She stressed that safe streets require a combination of safe infrastructure, enforcement, and lower speeds. "We have to continue to remember all the lives we have lost because we didn't act fast enough."
Walk SF volunteer Serena Unger, ED Jodie Medeiros, intern Candace Brady, and Marta Lindsey just after the Walk to Work rally at City Hall. Photo: Streetsblog/RudickWalk SF volunteer Serena Unger, ED Jodie Medeiros, intern Candace Brady, and Marta Lindsey just after the Walk to Work rally at City Hall. Photo: Streetsblog/Rudick
Mayor Breed and Supervisor Vallie Brown on Walk to Work Day. Photo: Walk SF TwitterMayor Breed and Supervisor Vallie Brown on Walk to Work Day last year. Photo: Walk SF's twitter feed
“Public Works is proud to be part of Walk to Work Day,” said San Francisco Public Works Director Mohammed Nuru. “Not only is it a lot of fun, great exercise and promotes environmental sustainability, the event helps raise awareness of the City’s Better Market Street project, which aims to provide transformative safety, transit and streetscape improvements to our busiest corridor.”
Sandra Lee Fewer's group of walkers, ready to set out. Photo: Walk SF TwitterSandra Lee Fewer's group of walkers, ready to set out. Photo: Walk SF's twitter feed
Jenny Yu is a member of Bay Area Families for Safe Streets, which is made up of survivors and families whose loved ones were killed or injured in crashes. “I am looking to all of you--especially our city leaders--to do everything in your power to end traffic violence on our streets,” she told the crowd at the rally.
“This simple act--walking--is powerful,” said Medeiros. “Walking makes us healthier, and brings life to our streets and sidewalks. Walking protects our air and climate. Walking connects us with each other, and to our communities. That’s why we are celebrating walking--and everyone who walks.”
The Vision Zero Hero in front of City Hall. Photo: Streetsblog/RudickThe Vision Zero Hero in front of City Hall. Photo: Streetsblog/Rudick