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A big thank you for all you're doing to help make communities in the Atlanta region and elsewhere in Georgia safe and inviting places to walk.
I've served as President and CEO of PEDS for 23 years.
And since this will be my last year leading the organization, I want to take time to celebrate progress and share my thoughts on the state of the movement.
The growth of pedestrian activism during the nineties was, in part, a backlash to the fact that things had never been worse for walking.
Few drivers stopped for people using crosswalks, and planning agencies rarely thought of walking as a transportation mode.
Since then, Georgia has made tremendous progress:
- Increased understanding of crosswalk laws
- More transportation professionals know how to design streets for pedestrian safety and are eager to do so
- Innovative crossing treatments have become mainstream
- Increased funding for pedestrian safety improvements
- More drivers stop for people in crosswalks
But much work remains.
The last three years were each the deadliest for people on foot in Georgia history, with a nearly 50 percent increase in pedestrian fatalities. This is unacceptable.
Systemic problems require systemic solutions, including slowing car traffic and installing more sidewalks, safe crossings, and street lighting.
You can count on PEDS to continue spurring local, regional, and state agencies to address these problems.
My passion for pedestrian safety and creating walkable communities is as strong as ever, and I know I'll remain an active and vocal advocate for many years to come.
If you are interested in serving as PEDS' next CEO or know someone who may be a good fit for this position, please check out the job description and share it with others. The Georgia Center for Nonprofits is helping us with the search, and all communications about the position should be sent to [email protected]
It will take four or five months before PEDS has a new leader in place, and we'll keep you posted on our progress finding the right person.
Sincerely,
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