Milwaukee Urged to Prioritize Pedestrian Safety

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AARP Wisconsin is calling on Milwaukee city leaders to make slowing traffic to protect pedestrians and save lives a top priority as the city develops its first Vision Zero Transportation Safety Action Plan. 

Vision Zero is Milwaukee’s plan to eliminate traffic fatalities and further enhance safety of our transportation system.

“Safe streets are a top priority for older Wisconsinites, and AARP will work with the city to ensure the voices of older residents are heard throughout the Vision Zero planning and adoption,” said AARP Wisconsin State Director Martha Cranley.

“Vehicles are driving too fast in the city and as a result put lives at risk. Whether it is reducing speed, adding traffic barriers or shrinking roads, there are many steps the city can and should take to slow down cars and make Milwaukee a safer place for all residents.”

In Milwaukee, 101 people — pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists — were killed in traffic crashes in 2020. Last year, it was 87. Too many lives are cut short because of high speed and reckless driving.

The City of Milwaukee is tackling this problem head-on by launching their Vision Zero

Plan. The goal is to eliminate serious injuries and fatalities over time through:

• Stronger Traffic Enforcement
• Updates to Urban Design
• Educational Programs