Mode Shift Voters Opt for Pedestrian Safety
Voting for Salem’s Mode Shift alternative transportation participatory budgeting initiative ended on November 30th. Salem residents were invited vote on their favorites among the eleven ideas submitted by their neighbors - all ideas that could help reduce traffic congestion, improve bicycle and pedestrian access and safety, and encourage alternative modes of transit.
The top vote-getting idea out of the 350 votes cast was the installation of enhanced in-ground or similar type lighting at high-volume crosswalks in downtown Salem to make these busy crossing safer and more visible. Second place went to expanded lighting along downtown walkways and sidewalks.
“I would like to thank all the Salem residents who both submitted ideas to be on the ballot and who took the time to vote on their choices,” said Mayor Kim Driscoll. “It was great to hear so many innovative suggestions to encourage alternative modes of getting to and around Salem. Our hope is that even those ideas that did not receive funding through the participatory budgeting vote will remain on our City’s radar as potential future projects and programs that we could explore regardless.”
The City will next evaluate locations in downtown Salem, including busy crosswalks and walkways, where this type of lighting can be installed within the $30,000 program budget and have the greatest positive impact.