Vision Zero

“Traffic safety solutions must be addressed holistically.” —Vision Zero, Wikipedia

Creating a movement toward healthier streets requires adjusting our expectations.   Vision Zero is a multinational road safety project that does just that.  It views crashes as preventable and uses a scientific, data-driven approach to identify causes and implement multifaceted solutions that combine education, engineering, planning and enforcement.

Vision Zero sets a goal of safeguarding human life on our streets. Data reveals strategies such as reducing speed limits in areas of high pedestrian activity makes crashes less likely and less severe. Redesigned streets and meaningful behavior change campaigns can create streets that are safe and more vibrant.

The Vision Zero movement is creating more political accountability to synch transportation with priorities in health and sustainability.  Los Angeles’s Vision Zero program seeks to design streets that “encourage walking. Research has shown that there is a link between moderate-intensity aerobic activity, like brisk walking, to decrease the incidence of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, depression, and other health problems.”  Portland, Oregon’s Vision Zero declares families “deserve safe streets” on which to walk and bike.  The clear focus is protecting human lives.

Vision Zero started in Sweden in the 1990’s but more than a dozen U.S. cities have adopted it, and more are joining.  Denver’s Mayor joined this year with the Director for Transportation saying “our streets are our most public spaces…our home.”  Ask your mayor, city council, and governor to take this measure and increase their commitment to safeguarding the public.

from Vision Zero Network—

Resources—
http://www.visionzeroboston.org/
http://www.austintexas.gov/page/about-vision-zero
http://visionzeronetwork.org/