Community urged to take the Alameda COVID-19 “Get Around Safe” pledge

Published on June 29, 2020

The City of Alameda has released its COVID-19 “Get Around Safe” pledge that encourages pledge-takers to drive, bike, walk, and take transit safely during the coronavirus pandemic. The pledge is a response to how the pandemic is changing the way people get around and adding new potential dangers to everyday movements.

Under COVID-19, motor vehicle traffic patterns are changing in unpredictable ways at the same time that more people are walking and biking for fresh air, exercise, and transportation. To ensure physical distancing, people walking sometimes need to step into the street. Slow Streets Alameda helps address this by prohibiting motor vehicle through-traffic on some corridors in order to open more space for people to walk and bike. Riding transit also looks different now, with additional safety precautions and reduced service.

Face coverings and physical distancing are imperative to slowing the spread of COVID-19. As people move around town, current Alameda County and State of California Health Orders require people to wear face coverings when outside their home.

By signing the pledge, residents are promising to drive cautiously and within the speed limit; wear masks when walking and biking; and follow guidelines on public transit. You can add yourself to a public list of pledge-takers and when available, we will mail you an “Alameda Safe Driver” window slick.

“This pledge reflects the City Council’s commitment to our Vision Zero goal of eliminating traffic deaths and severe injuries,” said Andrew Thomas, Director of Planning, Building, and Transportation for the City of Alameda.

“This pledge reminds community members that we all play an important role in keeping Alameda safe and healthy,” said Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft. “I took the pledge myself and look forward to seeing the pledge list grow.”

To take the pledge or learn more, please visit www.alamedapledge.org.