MILWAUKEE – On Tuesday, January 24, the Transportation and Transit Committee heard a report outlining the timeline and scope of a project to develop a comprehensive countywide transportation safety plan to address reckless driving. The project is funded with $180,000 in federal Complete Communities Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant funds and a $45,000 local match.
Committee members made the following statements:
“My thanks goes out to our Director of Transportation Donna Brown-Martin and her incredible staff. Making our streets safer is a top priority for residents in my district as well as across Milwaukee County,” said Supervisor Patti Logsdon. “This innovative approach will get real time data from residents that we can use to make policy decisions to address the problem. I look forward to seeing the comprehensive safety plan in the future and commend the department on their hard work thus far.”
“This three-year study will result in a comprehensive countywide transportation safety plan,” said Supervisor Peter Burgelis. “It will survey residents of each of Milwaukee’s 19 municipalities to help address reckless driving and make our roads safer. Milwaukee County residents use transit, cars, and bicycles as transportation and this study will ensure that no matter how you travel, that you get to where you need to go safely.”
“Public engagement and transparency are key to strengthening our Milwaukee County Transit System. The community has been loud and clear that reckless driving is a continual source of fear, stress, and pain in their lives” said Transportation and Transit Committee Chair Priscilla E. Coggs-Jones. “By working with MCTS and coming together with residents, we will bridge the gap and edify our community to combat this reckless driving. This initiative will work to make the community streets safer, the people healthier, and our youth more prosperous.”
“The negative effects of reckless driving are felt everywhere across Milwaukee County, from the central city to the suburbs,” said Supervisor Steven Shea. “That is why I am happy to see our Department of Transportation take a holistic approach to engage residents from every municipality in our county on this important project. By working together, we can make our streets safer for all.”
In Fall 2022, the Milwaukee County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) carried out an in-person and online survey during Milwaukee County budget town hall meetings. The questions centered on transportation safety concerns and transit usage. Of 648 responses, 45% expressed reckless driving as their biggest concern regarding the streets where they live. An additional 23% felt that the streets they live by are too dangerous to cross as a pedestrian.
The project is scheduled to take place over three years. During the first 18 months, the project team will coordinate with municipal governments throughout Milwaukee County and engage residents and community stakeholders, especially those who are most impacted by reckless driving. During the second 18 months, the team will develop a comprehensive safety plan and street safety design concepts for each municipality to consider.
MCDOT plans to schedule its first public meeting for this project in March.
