Ward 8 - Transportation

TRANSPORTATION

AARP DC is working to ensure voters are prepared to vote and informed of where the candidates stand on issues of importance.

Using AARP research and survey data, AARP DC created a questionnaire for all candidates listed on the primary ballot to share their vision for the issues that matter most to older District residents, their families, their caregivers, and their providers. These include transportation, housing, access to nutritious foods and addressing health disparities. Click here to see the candidate's answers on the other topics.

Candidates

Democratic Primary

• Salim Adofo (SA)
• Mike Austin (MA)
• Sheila Bunn (SB)
• Trayon White Sr. (TW)

Question:
Transportation safety for people of all ages, particularly older adults, is an increasing concern in the District. According to AARP Research, 88% of District residents 45-plus said that “getting to the places you need to go independently” is important to them. The District saw 52 traffic fatalities in both 2023 and 2024, extending a 17-year record high. What are your plans to make the District a more livable community for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists, alike?

SA - Safer Crosswalks & Signalization. Increase the number of high-visibility crosswalks, pedestrian islands, and signals with longer crossing times. For older adults & individuals with disabilities, it's vital that they have enough time to cross streets safely.

Mobility Assistance: Expand programs that assist older adults in getting around, whether that’s through community shuttles, subsidized ride services, or partnerships with senior living communities to offer dedicated transportation options.

MA - Safe, reliable transportation is a basic right. With 88% of residents 45+ saying mobility matters, we must act. Fifty-two traffic deaths in 2023 and 2024 is unacceptable. As Ward 8’s next councilmember, I’ll fight for Vision Zero investments, better lighting, safer crosswalks, slower speed zones near seniors, and more reliable bus service. Everyone deserves to move safely, whether walking, driving, or riding. Safety should meet you at your front door.

SB - The District must balance transit, walking, and cycling while accommodating motorists. This involves optimizing low-traffic streets for bikes, installing protected bike lanes where appropriate, implementing traffic calming in school zones and high-incident areas, upgrading crosswalks with enhancements like flashing beacons and raised crosswalks, improving sidewalks for seniors' safety, and promoting development around Metro stations with mixed-use zoning to create walkable neighborhoods.

TW - Candidate did not respond