Tuesday, May 10, marks the one-year anniversary of the traffic death of Mary Glorioso. Glorioso died after being hit by a car as she crossed Brady Street near her family's store, on Mother's Day weekend last year.
A 6:45 p.m. candlelight memorial service for Glorioso will be held Monday at St. Hedwig Catholic Church, 1702 N. Humboldt Ave.
And out of tragedy, in this case, comes change. Today, Milwaukee Alderman Mike D' Amato not only remembers the life of Mary Glorioso at a 1:30 p.m. event outside Brady Street Pharmacy, 1696 N. Astor St., but he also announces a new three-part pedestrian safety initiative involving enforcement, engineering and education.
Mayor Tom Barrett and police Chief Nan Hegerty will also take part in the "step-out" event which forces drivers to yield and slow down. Drivers who fail to yield will be given a warning ticket.
"Keeping Milwaukee residents safe is our top priority, whether they are in their homes, vehicles or walking on our city streets," said Hegerty in a written statement. "Yielding to pedestrians is the law and Milwaukee Police will be ready to ensure that people can enjoy our city safely."
Fourteen street signs with a pedestrian icon are being installed along Brady Street. They read "State Law Yield To Pedestrians Within Crosswalk." Two curb bump outs also have been added at the intersection of Brady Street and Arlington Place to draw attention to pedestrians.
"Yield signs, bump outs and other traffic control measures can help improve pedestrian safety but a long-term education effort is also necessary," said City Engineer Jeff Polenske.
"The tragic death of this noble woman affected us all and has solidified our resolve to move forward with improved, multifaceted pedestrian safety efforts," said D'Amato. "This effort moves beyond just (vehicular) signage and instead attempts to change the culture of the 'car first' attitude when driving through neighborhoods."
