HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023 November Pedestrian SafetyOLUMBI HEIGHTS
PROCLAMATION
Pedestrian Safety Month: October 2023
WHEREAS, the City of Columbia Heights joins the United States Department of Transportation,
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and Federal Highway Administration to celebrate
National Pedestrian Safety Month in October; and
WHEREAS, the personal, physical, and environmental benefits of walking can lead to healthier,
quieter, cleaner, and safer streets. Walking can also improve local economies and enhance social and
community engagement, which can lead to more vibrant, resilient, and livable spaces; and
WHEREAS, at least 7,508 pedestrians were struck and killed in the United States in 2022, an average
of 21 pedestrians per day; including 46 in Minnesota last year. Additionally, an estimated 60,000
pedestrians were injured due to accidents with vehicles in 2021. Our city has also fallen victim to
pedestrian deaths, including the tragedy on Central Avenue from July of this year; and
WHEREAS, a safe transportation system prioritizes the safety of all people and transportation design
can greatly increase safety for pedestrians and bicyclists by implementing speed reduction measures,
separated pathways, sidewalks, and protected bike lanes, among others; and
WHEREAS, National Pedestrian Safety Month is a reminder that we are all pedestrians. The City of
Columbia Heights is dedicated to ensuring that walkers, rollers, and those who rely on mobility
assisting devices are safe when they navigate our city, and that we have a responsibility to always
look at ways to improve our pedestrian safety and infrastructure further;
NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved that I, Amdda Marquez Simula, Mayor of Columbia Heights, do
hereby proclaim the month of October, 2023 to as "Walktober" and Pedestrian Safety Month, in the
City of Columba Heights, County of Anoka, State of MN, U.S.A. I urge that we all rededicate
ourselves to enjoying the benefits of walking and ensuring the safety of pedestrians in our
community.
A ' da Marquez Simula, Mayor
October 23, 2023