Philadelphia Mayor's Office shuts down claims that it cut funds from Vision Zero
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The calls to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians continue to grow louder after recent crashes in the city. Now advocates are calling on Mayor Cherelle Parker to do more to improve safety but they're concerned.
Advocates say the mayor cut funds from the budget for Vision Zero, which is the city's plan to reduce traffic deaths and injuries.
However, the city told CBS News Philadelphia that is not true.
According to a spokesperson for the Mayor's Office, the city redirected money from Vision Zero to the streets department for what they call the "Speed Cushion & Traffic Calming Program."
"The Parker administration strongly supports Vision Zero," a statement from the Mayor's Office reads in part.
Chris Gale, executive director of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, said the city is spending less on Vision Zero and wants more money dedicated to the plan.
He said advocates want to see, among other safety improvements, more protected bike lanes, like, the one on JFK Boulevard.
"I love riding my bike around the city. It is the best way to get around and enjoy everything it has to offer, but truth be told it's unnerving. People are aggressive and threatening. They don't want you on the road," said Jessie Anadio, an organizer for Philly Bike Action, who attended the bicycle demonstration demanding protection for cyclists and pedestrians throughout the city.
"One death is too many deaths and that's why I am here today with all the people here," said Romas Tamrakar. "It's a mixed emotion. On one side I am deeply saddened by various incidents that have occurred throughout the year, but at the same time there is hope that there might be change."
Gale believes advocates and Parker want the same thing, which is safer streets. He said he's looking forward to working with her on the issue.
"We want the full funding for Vision Zero," Gale said. "We want to make sure our colleagues at City Hall are looking at permanent traffic solutions. Whether that means speed tables, whether that means permanent bollards and cement pills that will not bend when someone hits them."
The recent traffic crash that claimed the life of CHOP doctor Barbara Friedes was a painful reminder for the D'Adamo family.
"When I heard about a 30-year-old doctor, my son was an attorney [at] 37, I got sick," said Paula D'Adamo.
A reminder of the grief they felt and continue to feel after their son Mario D'Adamo III was struck and killed while riding his bike in FDR Park last year.
"It's unbelievable," said Paula D'Adamo. "It's just an unimaginable feeling that we go through."
The D'Adamo family said both deaths could have easily been prevented. They believe there's a culture of reckless driving in the city that needs to be addressed.
"I was not shocked when I heard about the crash," said Mario's father, Mario D'Adamo. "It happens almost every day."
A portion of the city's response to criticisms about the budget and funding for Vision Zero reads in part:
"As Mayor Parker explained on WHYY Radio yesterday, the Parker administration does not consider the Vision Zero spending in the FY25 One Philly Budget to be a budget cut. Under the "Traffic Control" section in the new FY25 budget, the "Speed Cushion & Traffic Calming Program" has been moved from "Vision Zero" into a separate line item in the Streets Department, which requested the move. As you recall, one of Mayor Parker's reforms earlier this year was splitting up the Streets Department into two new departments, Streets and Sanitation. Various duties and responsibilities are moving in this new budget. It made sense to move this kind of spending on speed cushions and other traffic calming measures under the Streets line item. Streets is very involved on a daily basis in traffic safety measures.
There is $1 million allocated to "Vision Zero" and $1.25 million for "Speed Cushion & Traffic Calming Program" measures, which are a major part of the overall Vision Zero projects. There is also significant funding for specific projects through Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) grants which will fall at least partially under Vision Zero.
The point is this, as the mayor stated clearly yesterday on the radio: the Parker administration strongly supports Vision Zero, and considers it an important contribution to the many City programs aimed at increasing pedestrian and cyclist safety. "