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Austin Launching Bike/Pedestrian Safety Campaign


A new approach to cutting down cycling and pedestrian deaths on Austin's roadways. After 2012 saw the number of those fatal accidents with cars at twice the average annual toll from the previous eight years, this week, the city is launching a new program, with one of the goals being to make the streets safer.

It's called the "Safe Walk Safe Bike" study. The city wants your input through an online survey so they can better understand how you think when you're on the road, whether you're on four wheels, two wheels, or two feet. They'll turn that knowledge, along with input from several focus groups, to put together a campaign to improve safety and get more people out of their cars.

We hit the streets Tuesday morning to talk to those who walk and bike at night when it’s most dangerous. They told us they think the survey is a good starting point, but city officials need to take more concrete steps as well.

"I think lower speeds in this town and I think better bike lanes for cyclists," said one cyclist.

"Have more police watching cars, watching people," said Maria John, a pedestrian who told us she was nearly struck by a car last week. "They should have cameras more on these side streets."

Once it’s put together, the city says they'll direct the campaign at some of the newest drivers and those not too far away from a license: middle and high school students.

TxDOT grants are footing the bill for the campaign. The survey runs through Monday, February 18. To take it, click here:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/SafeWalkSafeBike   

By Adam Bennett