SASS is a coalition united by a common belief: None of us should rest until the streets are safe for everybody.
We are pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, and drivers. We are people with and without disabilities, young and old, parents, caregivers, students, teachers, business owners, residents, and commuters. We bring different experiences and perspectives, united by a commitment to safer and more equitable streets.
SASS began in December 2020, when advocates for pedestrian safety, disability access, cycling, public transit, the environment, older residents, and other community interests came together to make Somerville’s streets safer for everyone.
Since SASS published its Declaration and Call to Action in early 2021, more than 900 people have signed on in support. We believe that we are all SASS, and we are committed to inclusion and diversity. We oppose oppression and discrimination in all their forms.
The core work of organizing and steering SASS is done by a committee of volunteers who bring experience, community connections, and perspectives from across Somerville.
Over the years, SASS members have organized public events, engaged with City officials, contributed to street-design discussions, and advocated for improvements to walking, cycling, transit, and accessibility. Our 2021 Corridor of Death protest is one example of that history.
SASS continues to welcome new voices and participation as we work toward streets that are safe for everyone.
SASS Steering Committee
John Callerame, Banks Street
Coralie Cooper, Conwell Street
Chris Dwan, Ivaloo Street
Edward Faulkner, Bay State Avenue
Joan Liu, Florence Street
Alex Friedan, Lake Street
Stephanie Galaitsi, Morrison Avenue
David Hawley, Putnam Street
Karen Molloy, Highland Avenue
Arah Schuur, Walker Street
Susann Wilkinson, Orchard Street
Larry Yu, Herbert Street
Roman Zadov, Grove Street
Ellin Reisner, Mt. Vernon Street
Cynthia Stillinger, Fairfax Street
The following members were part of the SASS organizing committee in October 2023, reflecting the many individuals who have helped build and sustain the alliance.
- Adrienne Agarwal
- Angie Byrne – Member of Somerville Vision Zero Working Group
- Chris Dwan – Member Somerville’s Urban Forestry Committee, advisor to Green and Open Somerville, and active on twitter as @somershade1
- Alex Epstein – Dad of two young kids; Former member and Chair of Somerville Bicycle Advisory Committee; MA Vision Zero Coalition; Somerville Vision Zero Working Group
- Edward Faulkner – Ball Square resident, parent of young children
- Alex Frieden- Member of the Somerville Bicycle Advisory Committee
- Stephanie Galaitsi – Mom of two kids, Member of Somerville Commission for Women
- Joan Liu – East Somerville resident
- Karen Molloy – Member of Somerville Transportation Equity Partnership
- Lena Rogow – Somerville renter, pedestrian and transit user
- Arah Schuur – Co-founder of Somerville Bicycle Safety
- Cole Springate
- Cynthia Stillinger – West Somerville resident
- Susann Wilkinson – Former Member Vision Zero Task Force, Staying Put in Somerville-Cambridge, and Co-Lead of Rt 16 Traffic Calming Coalition
- Larry Yu – Chair of Somerville’s Commission on Energy Use and Climate Change; active member of the Climate Coalition of Somerville
- Roman Zadov
Organizing Committee Alumni
- Stephenson Aman- Member of the Somerville Education Foundation, Co-Chair of Somervision 2040 Committee
- Ken Carlson- Former member and Chair of the Somerville Bicycle Advisory Committee; Co-lead of Rt 16 Traffic Calming Coalition
- Bonnie Denis – Former Chair of Somerville’s Commission for Persons with Disabilities
- Jason Downing – South Medford resident and avid cyclist
- Will Mbah – Former at-large city councilor
- Mark Niedergang – former Somerville Ward 5 City Councilor
- Ellin Reisner – Member of Somerville Transportation Equity Partnership
- Emily Vides – Mystic Ave resident, mom of two, former member of Somerville Pedestrian and Transit Advisory Committee