Press Release: Council Passes on First Vote Charles Allen’s Vision Zero Enhancement Bill and Creation of Office Focused on Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Residents

News Release — Ward 6 DC Council member Charles Allen

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 21, 2020

Contact: Erik Salmi

Two key legislative items passed today that Councilmember Charles Allen introduced: Vision Zero and the Office of Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing. Background and quotes on each below:

Vision Zero Enhancement Omnibus Act of 2019:

About: On first vote, the DC Council unanimously passed Councilmember Charles Allen’s Vision Zero Enhancement Omnibus Act, which puts in place sweeping requirements to increase transportation equity and improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers by requiring DDOT to develop a transit equity plan, forcing annual reviews of the most dangerous streets and intersections, requiring that big public space construction projects focus on improving safety and transportation equity, increasing penalties for contractors who do not restore crosswalks and bike lanes, limiting right on red, reducing speed limits, making it easier to make an intersection an all-way stop, and requiring large residential buildings to manage curb space to protect sidewalks and bike lanes from deliveries and rideshare parking.

Quote from Councilmember Allen: “Last year, on a single weekend, we saw three people die walking on a sidewalk, riding a bicycle, and in a car. And that was following a year when deaths due to traffic peaked following the launch of DC’s Vision Zero initiative. Our streets should be welcoming and safe for everyone, not a racetrack you hope to survive on your way to the store or church. With passage of the Vision Zero Enhancement Omnibus, we are going to make our streets safer. And we’re going to start planning out our infrastructure recognizing a lot of people aren’t choosing to drive to their destination.”

Background: Introduced by Councilmember Allen on May 7, 2019 with co-introducers Councilmembers Robert White, Grosso, Nadeau, Bonds, Silverman, McDuffie and Todd, and co-sponsored by Chairman Mendelson and Councilmembers Gray and Evans. LIMS info: https://lims.dccouncil.us/Legislation/B23-0288

Office for the Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing Establishment Act:

About: Legislation creates an office focused specifically on the needs of DC’s vibrant Deaf, Deafblind, and hard of hearing community. The new office will advocate for laws and policies that address the needs of the Deaf, Deafblind, and hard of hearing community in the District; will serve as a clearinghouse for high-quality ASL interpreters; and will develop a card that MPD officers will carry to improve communication with the Deaf, Deafblind, and hard of hearing community.” 

Quote: “DC has a long history of being home to a vibrant community of Deaf, Deafblind, and hard of hearing residents. Unfortunately, the District government has not always been inclusive about ensuring these residents can access and participate in their local government. Creating a stand-alone office means someone will be focused on raising these issues on purpose as we think through how our city serves each resident.”

Background: Introduced by Councilmember Allen on February 19, 2019 with co-introducers Councilmembers Robert White, Evans, Grosso, Nadeau, and Bonds, and co-sponsored by Councilmembers Gray and Cheh. LIMS info: https://lims.dccouncil.us/Legislation/B23-0147