Council emphasizes Safe Routes to School funding and coordination to improve pedestrian safety

Arshan Siddiqui asked what the county is doing to improve pedestrian safety around middle schools where sidewalks or crosswalks are missing. Council member Andrew Friedson said the county has focused on roadway safety and added funding for Safe Routes to School programs. "We have focused a lot on pedestrian safety broadly," Friedson said, noting county collaboration with the school system and the Department of Transportation when building or renovating schools to improve accessibility for students who walk or bike.

Friedson framed pedestrian safety as part of public‑safety work, noting that road incidents cause more fatalities than homicides in the county and that transportation access is a key part of creating safe out‑of‑school opportunities. He said the council continues to direct funds and planning resources toward Safe Routes and other pedestrian improvements near schools.