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Ed Flynn*
(pdf of answers)
About the Candidate |
1. How do you move around your community and get to where you need to go? |
2. What is a particularly dangerous problem or location in your community for people walking, biking, taking transit, or for people with disabilities that you'd like to see addressed? |
3. Why do you think people who care about walking, biking, transit, and mobility issues should vote for you? |
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Ed Flynn |
I usually walk, take the MBTA a few times a week, or carpool to my events and to work. |
I think cars speeding down our residential streets is one of the biggest issues in our city, particularly in neighborhoods throughout my district where there are many pedestrians, such as South Boston, the South End, and Chinatown. Hardly a day goes by where I do not hear reports of cars speeding through intersections, and even crosswalks, making it difficult and dangerous for pedestrians, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities to cross the street. |
One of my top priorities is pedestrian safety/Vison Zero. I’ve been a strong advocate for a combination of traffic calming, infrastructure improvements, & traffic enforcement. I’ve advocated for reducing the speed limit to 20mph, outlined a 12 Point Safe Streets Plan last summer (speed humps, raised crosswalks, curb extensions, speed boards, rapid flash beacons, road diets, deliniators, designated delivery time)& called for stronger enforcement. I’ll continue to be an advocate & work closely with BTD on making our streets safer for pedestrians, the elderly & persons with disabilities. |
Policy Proposals |
1. How will you ensure implementation of the infrastructure changes needed to slow traffic on your community's streets, and improve crosswalks and intersections to make them safer for people who are walking and using mobility assistive devices? |
2. How will you improve the reach, frequency, and quality of public transit in Boston? |
3. How will you ensure fast-tracked implementation of a city-wide network of off-street paths and protected bike lanes on major thoroughfares and connecting streets that are safe and comfortable for people of all ages and abilities? |
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Ed Flynn |
I believe we need a combination of infrastructure improvements, slower speeds & consistent enforcement. Following a tragedy last year, I recommended a 12 Point Safe Streets Plan that included studies of high traffic roads, a reduction of the speed limit in our neighborhoods to 20 mph, speed humps, raised crosswalks, rapid flash beacons, etc. I worked with Councilor Baker to sponsor a hearing on a 20 mph speed limit, and Mayor Walsh subsequently announced that he would support 20mph speed limit zones in our neighborhoods. Knowing the impact on traffic that TNCs have, I called for a hearing on ways to alleviate congestion issues related to TNCs (115,000 trips per day), address safety issues by implementing pick up/drop off areas & geofencing, & leveraging the demand for TNCs to have better infrastructure. I’m working closely with Commissioner Gross & BPD on traffic enforcement issues and I support creation of a traffic enforcement unit within the BPD. Moreover, I also work closely with the Disability Commission & recently held a hearing on services for persons with disabilities on how we can improve their quality of life, including on accessibility & mobility issues. |
Public transit is used by many of my constituents, and I use the T often, so I understand the importance of reliable public transportation. I opposed increasing MBTA fares without guaranteed improvements to service, participated in Councilor Wu’s Unfair Hikes day of action and spoke with constituents at Broadway Station about what improvements they want to see. I will continue to collaborate with my colleagues in the city and state about how we can improve the MBTA. |
I believe that everyone should have the ability to bike in a safe and comfortable environment. I’ve done walking tours with the Boston Cyclists Union, Walk Boston, and Livable Streets and other transit & cycling advocates about their ideas and safety issues. I advocated for an improved bike network at the City Council budget hearings this spring. I will continue to work closely with the BTD and advocate for implementation of off-street paths and protected bike lanes where appropriate, and support funding for cycling infrastructure improvements in the budget. |
Additional Questions
Click on the categories below for the complete question asked. Click on any answer with a * for further explanation of the candidate's stance.
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Do you support: |
1. Vision Zero 1. Vision Zero is an approach which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries and has been adopted by Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville, and many other cities across the country. Do you support the principles of Vision Zero policies and funding for their rapid implementation? click outside popup to close |
2. State law allowing automated enforcement 2. One key strategy that has been proven to effectively reduce speeding, improve safety, and remove racial bias in traffic enforcement in other states and countries is automated enforcement (i.e. speed cameras and red light cameras). Do you support S.1376, An Act relative to automated enforcement, which if passed would authorize cities and towns in Massachusetts to opt into the use of automated enforcement? To see the full text of the bill, visit malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S1376 click outside popup to close |
3. Bike Network Plan 3. Do you support the implementation of improved bike facilities identified in your community’s Bike Network Plan or do you support the creation of a Bike Network Plan if none already exists? click outside popup to close |
4. Age-friendly walking conditions 4. Do you support creating age-friendly walking conditions in your community -- an issue raised by many seniors as critical to their ability to 'age in community'? If yes, how? click outside popup to close |
(more below) |
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Ed Flynn |
Strongly Support*
Ed FlynnYes, this is a top priority for me and my thinking on transportation issues is based on the principles of Vision Zero. I would support policies and funding that would ensure the implementation of Vision Zero. click outside popup to close |
Strongly Support*
Ed FlynnCouncil President Campbell had a hearing on the possibility of installing traffic cameras and I supported the proposal, as well as the creation of a traffic enforcement unit within the BPD. click outside popup to close |
Somewhat Support*
Ed FlynnFollowing walking tours with the Boston Cyclists Union, Walk Boston, and Livable Streets, I advocated for an improved bike network at the Council budget hearings this year. I will continue to work closely with advocates and the BTD on implementation of off-street paths and protected bike lanes where appropriate, and support funding for cycling infrastructure improvements in the budget. click outside popup to close |
Strongly Support*
Ed FlynnI’m a strong advocate for pedestrian safety, our seniors, and persons with disabilities. I’ve advocated for lowering the speed limit to 20mph, traffic calming measures, and ensuring accessibility of our sidewalks and paths for persons with disabilities. I’ve outlined some of my work in the first question under “Policy Proposals”, and will continue to advocate for our elderly and disabled residents. click outside popup to close |
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Do you support: |
5. Restriction of parking for bus-only lanes 5. Do you support the restriction of on-street parking during rush hour in order to create dedicated bus lanes on certain major thoroughfares where bus riders experience significant delays due to traffic congestion? click outside popup to close |
6. New revenue sources 6. Do you support exploring new ways of raising revenue to provide Boston with more tools to improve conditions for people walking, using mobility assistive devices, biking, and using public transit (e.g. increasing the gas tax, implementing congestion pricing, increasing fees on Uber/Lyft)? If yes, please give examples that interest you. click outside popup to close |
7. Dynamic parking meter pricing 7. Do you support the rollout of dynamic parking meter pricing in business districts, which would increase meter rates during periods of increased demand, to free up on-street parking and reduce cars "cruising" for open spaces? click outside popup to close |
8. Traffic signal timing that prioritizes people walking 8. Boston has many traffic signals that do not work well for pedestrians. Do you support making signal timing safer, easier, and more convenient for people walking and using mobility assistive devices at all paces? click outside popup to close |
(more below) |
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Ed Flynn |
Somewhat Support*
Ed FlynnAs Boston was recently rated worst in the nation for traffic, I support bus lanes placed in appropriate areas where congestion consistently occurs to help move our workforce efficiently during morning & evening commutes, as well as encouraging ridership. During and MBTA hearing, I advocated for a bus lane on Traveler St to assist with the #9 & a straighter route. I also want to make sure that there will be sufficient community process with residents, civic groups, experts, advocates, city and state officials from BTD and the MBTA about these proposals before the implementation. click outside popup to close |
Strongly Support*
Ed FlynnYes, I recently called for a hearing on ways to alleviate traffic issues relating to TNCs (Uber & Lyft) due to their impact on traffic, public safety, the environment, and consumer protection issues. I also mentioned in my hearing order that we must look at ways to leverage the demand of TNCs to improve our public transit and safety infrastructure. I’m open to any discussions about how we can better fund improvements and maintenance to our infrastructure and public transit. click outside popup to close |
Neither Support nor Oppose*
Ed FlynnThis has been recently implemented by the City of Boston. I will continue to get feedback from residents, civic groups, and businesses regarding appropriate implementation and pricing. click outside popup to close |
Strongly Support*
Ed FlynnYes, I support any improvements to signal timing that would make it safer for our pedestrians, seniors, and persons with disabilities, including longer signal times. click outside popup to close |
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Do you support: |
9. Charging for residential parking permits 9. Do you support charging an annual fee for residential parking permits? click outside popup to close |
10. Reducing/ eliminating MBTA fares 10. Do you support reducing or eliminating MBTA fares for people with low income? click outside popup to close |
11. Ensuring large-scale developments are walkable, resilient, green, and connected 11. Do you support ensuring large-scale developments (including Sullivan Square, the Allston I-90 Interchange, and Suffolk Downs) incorporate the community's desire for walkability, connectivity, open space, and resiliency? click outside popup to close |
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Ed Flynn |
Strongly Oppose*
Ed FlynnResidents in my district overwhelmingly opposed this idea, and as their representative, I oppose this measure. I believe that charging for a residential parking permit is not the best way to alleviate traffic. Constituents have relayed that it is a regressive fee that would negatively impact middle, low-income, & working-class families. click outside popup to close |
Strongly Support*
Ed FlynnYes, I support the reduction or elimination of MBTA fares for low-income residents as it is an issue of equity, social and economic justice. click outside popup to close |
Strongly Support*
Ed FlynnThese developments are not in my district, but I support the principles of walkability, connectivity, open space, and climate resiliency. I am certainly willing to speak with my colleagues and relevant parties about the community’s desire to ensure these are primary areas of focus at these sites. click outside popup to close |
About the Candidate
Policy Proposals
Additional Questions
Yes, this is a top priority for me and my thinking on transportation issues is based on the principles of Vision Zero. I would support policies and funding that would ensure the implementation of Vision Zero.
Council President Campbell had a hearing on the possibility of installing traffic cameras and I supported the proposal, as well as the creation of a traffic enforcement unit within the BPD.
Following walking tours with the Boston Cyclists Union, Walk Boston, and Livable Streets, I advocated for an improved bike network at the Council budget hearings this year. I will continue to work closely with advocates and the BTD on implementation of off-street paths and protected bike lanes where appropriate, and support funding for cycling infrastructure improvements in the budget.
I’m a strong advocate for pedestrian safety, our seniors, and persons with disabilities. I’ve advocated for lowering the speed limit to 20mph, traffic calming measures, and ensuring accessibility of our sidewalks and paths for persons with disabilities. I’ve outlined some of my work in the first question under “Policy Proposals”, and will continue to advocate for our elderly and disabled residents.
As Boston was recently rated worst in the nation for traffic, I support bus lanes placed in appropriate areas where congestion consistently occurs to help move our workforce efficiently during morning & evening commutes, as well as encouraging ridership. During and MBTA hearing, I advocated for a bus lane on Traveler St to assist with the #9 & a straighter route. I also want to make sure that there will be sufficient community process with residents, civic groups, experts, advocates, city and state officials from BTD and the MBTA about these proposals before the implementation.
Yes, I recently called for a hearing on ways to alleviate traffic issues relating to TNCs (Uber & Lyft) due to their impact on traffic, public safety, the environment, and consumer protection issues. I also mentioned in my hearing order that we must look at ways to leverage the demand of TNCs to improve our public transit and safety infrastructure. I’m open to any discussions about how we can better fund improvements and maintenance to our infrastructure and public transit.
This has been recently implemented by the City of Boston. I will continue to get feedback from residents, civic groups, and businesses regarding appropriate implementation and pricing.
Yes, I support any improvements to signal timing that would make it safer for our pedestrians, seniors, and persons with disabilities, including longer signal times.
Residents in my district overwhelmingly opposed this idea, and as their representative, I oppose this measure. I believe that charging for a residential parking permit is not the best way to alleviate traffic. Constituents have relayed that it is a regressive fee that would negatively impact middle, low-income, & working-class families.
Yes, I support the reduction or elimination of MBTA fares for low-income residents as it is an issue of equity, social and economic justice.
These developments are not in my district, but I support the principles of walkability, connectivity, open space, and climate resiliency. I am certainly willing to speak with my colleagues and relevant parties about the community’s desire to ensure these are primary areas of focus at these sites.