Rally for Safe Streets rescheduled for Monday

Common Council President Ashanti Hamilton and Alderman Khalif J. Rainey are key supporters and sponsors behind the Rally for Safe Streets, set to start at 3 p.m. Monday (May 14) at N. 35th St. and W. Capitol Dr.

The event – organized by the Northwest Side Community Development Corporation (NWSCDC) – will highlight the 35th and Capitol intersection, which has the dubious title of most dangerous intersection in the state of Wisconsin and has seen recent major vehicle crashes. Representatives from the City of Milwaukee, together with residents and other partners, will hold signs during the rally urging drivers to slow down and respect the rules of the road.

“We are excited to have the Milwaukee Police Department with us at this event. It is a statement to the new administration and the commitment of Chief Alfonso Morales to work with the community for the safety and protection of all our residents,” President Hamilton said.

“At the same time, we want to expand the conversation to include design changes to make intersections like this one safer,” said Alderman Rainey. “We need all drivers to recognize the responsibility for safety when they get in the car. We also want to look into engineering solutions that could calm traffic and improve pedestrian crossings.”

The Corridor Corp. and the City of Milwaukee, including the Promise Zones initiative and the Milwaukee Police Department, are co-sponsoring today’s event to help raise awareness.

“We are grateful for the neighbors and community partners who are raising their voices for safer streets,” said Andrew Haug, Resource Development Manager at NWSCDC. “This isn’t just an enforcement issue, we need to take a look at the deadliest intersections and stretches of roads and find engineering or design updates to improve safety.”

NWSCDC is a member of the Complete Streets Milwaukee coalition, engaging residents about the value of building safer streets and working for policy updates to prioritize safety for vulnerable road users like people walking, biking, or taking the bus.

“While we are very concerned about difficult intersections like this one at 35th and Capitol, we also want to celebrate and encourage healthy transportation options this summer,” said Sarah Bregant, Community Development Specialist at NWSCDC. “Join us on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. in Garden Homes Park for the Promise Zones Bike Ride. We’ll take an easy five mile family-friendly ride through beautiful neighborhoods near the 30th Street Industrial Corridor and Lincoln Creek.”

Additional details about the Promise Zones Ride are available at https://nwscdc.org/event/promise-zone-ride-saturday-may-12-2018

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.