Mayor Andy Berke accepted the Mayors’ Challenge for Safer People & Safer Streets in Chattanooga, a nationwide initiative by the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) to challenge cities to take significant action over the next year to improve safety for bicyclists and pedestrians of all ages and abilities.

In attendance at today’s kickoff were Chattanooga Police Chief Fred Fletcher, Administrator of Transportation Blythe Bailey, and various Chattanooga community members who signed pledge cards to participate in a Local Action League that will help ensure Chattanooga’s success.

“Over the last two years, we have made significant transportation improvements with all users in mind,” said Mayor Berke. “From adopting a complete streets ordinance to investing in protected bike lanes, Chattanooga is well on our way to making our roads safe, convenient, and accessible for all users — cyclists, drivers, and pedestrians.” 
 
The City of Chattanooga has already taken steps toward each of the seven key goal areas outlined in the national challenge. The city will form a Local Action League to assess and develop a work plan to address gaps, barriers, or challenges related to additional progress in these goal areas.

The seven key goal areas include:

·         Take a Complete Streets approach;

·         Identify and address barriers to make streets safe and convenient for all road users, including people of all ages and abilities and those using assistive mobility devices;

·         Gather and track biking and walking data;

·         Use designs that are appropriate to the context of the street and its uses;

·         Take advantage of opportunities to create and complete ped-bike networks through maintenance;

·         Improve walking and biking safety laws and regulations;

·         Educate and enforce proper road use behavior by all.

For more information on the USDOT Mayors’ Challenge, go to: http://www.dot.gov/mayors-challenge.
 
For more information on how to participate in the Local Action League, contact Caroline Johnson, Chattanooga Transportation Department, at Johnson_c@chattanooga.gov.