Boston Disability Advisory Board Approves Amended Minutes, Hears Cyclist Safety Campaign

BOSTON -- November 8, 2023, Boston's Disability Commission Advisory Board closed its 2023 meeting year with a presentation on the city's Boston Breaks pedestrian safety campaign and an inconclusive discussion on state medical aid in dying legislation. Outreach and Engagement Specialist Colleen Flanagan told the board the campaign, launched in honor of the late disability advocate David Vieira, has reached more than 26 bike shops, placed print ads in 65 bus shelters, and generated 21 public presentations over six months; Disability Commissioner Kristen McCosh added that while 80,000 Boston residents self-identify as having a disability, the true daily sidewalk count could exceed 100,000 when commuters and visitors are included. On enforcement, McCosh said the commission has not yet partnered with the Boston Police Department but plans to do so "over the winter," and separately noted the Boston Transportation Department is rewriting its traffic and parking regulations to include bicycle provisions. The board voted unanimously to approve amended October minutes, correcting language attributed to member Elizabeth Dean-Clower on a medical aid in dying research poll, but took no vote on whether to formally oppose, support, or declare neutrality on the pending state legislation. The December 28 meeting was confirmed canceled, and board elections are set for February 2024.