Every traffic death is an unacceptable tragedy. As a mother, my heart grieves with the family who lost their child and now lives with this unimaginable void. As a cyclist, I ride down Lakeshore and know first-hand how narrow the space is between your body and a car door.
As Council President, I’ve added funds to our city budget to improve traffic safety for cyclists and pedestrians. Implementing these improvements is more urgent than ever after bearing the 15th traffic death in Oakland this year.
I appreciate the community’s ongoing advocacy for safety. I also appreciate OakDOT’s immediate response to: (1) install signage about being mindful of cyclists before opening the car door, and (2) share bicyclist safety education videos directed at both drivers and bicyclists.
In addition, we must do much more. I’ll be working with OakDOT to urge and support them to expedite existing street safety projects and prioritize longer term improvements - including protected bike lanes - with our Capital Improvement Plan and 5 Year Paving Plan. I look forward to continuing to work with our Oakland community on these improvements.
You can read more from the Oaklandside about the tragic loss of life, and about the work OakDOT is doing to address bicycle and traffic safety.
