Calling on the Committee of Streets and Services to hold hearings regarding traffic calming measures in the City of Philadelphia and the status of the implementation of speed cushions, bike lanes, delineators and other tools to decrease pedestrian injuries and fatalities, as well as property damage.

WHEREAS, Traffic calming is a way of slowing down traffic in residential and commercial areas while simultaneously supporting the livability and vitality of these areas. It uses physical design and other measures to improve safety for motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. These measures include right-sizing, traffic controls and pavement undulations; and

WHEREAS, The Philadelphia Streets Department is responsible for traffic safety and traffic calming and has taken this responsibility very seriously, we know that they are continuously adjusting the implementation of these tools to better serve citizens. The benefit of their direct conversation concerning the requirements for and distribution of traffic calming measures is critical to maintaining pedestrian confidence; and

WHEREAS, Though Philadelphia boasts one of the lowest rates of car ownership in the country, it ranks among top 10 most traffic-congested cities in the world and maintains a staggering number of traffic accidents in the city every year. These accidents can result in significant injuries and damages to drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists of the like; and

WHEREAS, Speeding is a major cause of many crashes and is one of the top complaints received from City residents. Traffic calming is an effective way to reduce frequency and severity of collisions, improve pedestrian safety, and passively reduce the number of vehicles exceeding the recommended speed limits; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, THAT THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, calls on the Committee of Streets and Services to hold hearings on the current situation surrounding traffic calming in the City of Philadelphia.

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