Councilor Flynn to Call for Hearing on Pedestrian Crossing Signals, Traffic Calming & Vision Zero 

BOSTON – Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn is calling for a hearing at this week’s City Council meeting to discuss measures that would improve pedestrian safety and help achieve Vision Zero – the goal of having zero traffic fatalities in the City of Boston. The hearing aims to discuss ways to ensure that traffic crossing signals are effective in ensuring the safety of pedestrians, as well infrastructure improvements to our built environment – such as speed humps, raised crosswalks, road diets and rapid flash beacons – that would aid in traffic calming. 

Last week, two pedestrians were struck by a van in Fort Point, and one tragically passed away from her injuries. This tragedy, and other crashes across the city, remind us of the work that needs to be done to realize Vision Zero; especially when our neighborhoods are becoming more densely populated due to development, along with more vehicular and pedestrian foot traffic. 

For example, residents throughout the city have called attention to pedestrian signals that allow for crossing the street at the same time that vehicles have a signal to turn at an intersection, which could potentially be unsafe for pedestrians crossing a busy intersection. The city is committed to pedestrian safety and Vision Zero, and this hearing aims to discuss the various infrastructural measures and changes that we can take to prevent serious and fatal crashes.  

Last year, Councilor Flynn and Councilor Baker held a hearing on reducing the city speed limit to 20 mph in our communities and other road safety improvements. Councilor Flynn continues to meet with neighbors & advocacy groups on improvements to make our roads safer for all.

“Pedestrian safety must be a top priority for the City of Boston,” said Councilor Flynn. “I look forward to continuing this discussion with the Boston Transportation Dept, Boston Police Dept, relevant agencies and concerned residents about how we can re-double our efforts on infrastructure improvements, slower speeds and enforcement.”

For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or [email protected].