Letter from Walk On Victoria Re: Increased Funding for Pedestrian Safety
Correspondence from a pedestrian advocacy group urging the Town to increase its budget for intersections, lighting, and sidewalks.
From: Arielle Guetta
Sent: October-19-16 8:36 PM
Subject: Increased funding for pedestrian safety
Attachments: Letter_Budget Cycle_Oct.2016.docx
Dear Mayor and Council,
Please find attached a letter from Walk On, Victoria, Greater Victoria's pedestrian advocacy organization. As you start to prepare your budget for the coming year, we encourage you to consider increasing your spending on pedestrian safety infrastructure.
Sincerely,
Arielle Guetta
Walk On, Victoria
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Letter
October 13, 2016
Dear Mayor and Council:
Walk On, Victoria has partnered with the Capital Regional District (CRD) and local businesses to denote October as “Walktober.” It is a time to celebrate our region’s many trails, pathways and sidewalks that provide so many wonderful opportunities to walk for pleasure. It is also a time to draw the public’s attention to the fact that walking is a form of transportation that is not only good for individuals but also for the broader community.
It is encouraging that most municipalities in our region acknowledge the importance of various modes of active transportation; some municipalities even put pedestrians at the top of their active transportation “pyramids.” But many local pedestrians still face challenges as they walk to and from work or school or to shop and run errands; they face challenges as they walk to community centres, libraries and recreation centres; and as they walk to visit family and friends. Our communities need safer intersections and crosswalks, better street lighting and fewer sidewalk and trail obstacles in order to increase the number of people who opt for walking as a principle means of transportation.
Capital investments that improve pedestrian safety and enhance the walking experience are wise investments. Given that “Walktober” coincides with the beginning of the annual municipal budget cycle, Walk On, Victoria is asking each of our region’s thirteen municipalities plus the Capital Regional District to increase their pedestrian safety budgets in ways that improve crosswalks, lighting and sidewalks. If there are funds to enhance recreational pathways, so much the better.
Should you be interested a member from Walk On, Victoria would be happy to present to your budget committee on the importance of good pedestrian infrastructure. We look forward to learning how much your municipality plans to spend on pedestrian safety in the coming year and how much of an increase that is over past years.
Sincerely,
Arielle Guetta
Chair, Walk On, Victoria
walkonvictoria.org
info@walkonvictoria.org
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