Vision Zero: What is it; how can it eliminate traffic fatalities?

Vision Zero is a powerful and successful initiative that is gaining momentum across the U.S.

Vision Zero concentrates on systemic solutions that inevitably lead to fewer traffic fatalities--like lower traffic speeds in populated areas

Vision Zero advocates across the world--and now across the U.S.--have developed the tools and techniques needed to actually eliminate traffic fatalities.

What is Vision Zero?  How do you implement it in your community? The Vision Zero Network has provided a nine-point summary:

1) Political Commitment

Highest-ranking local officials —Mayor, City Council, City Manager — make official and public commitment toward a Vision Zero goal to achieve zero traffic fatalities and severe injuries among all road users (including people walking, biking, using transit, and driving) within a set timeframe. This should include passage of a local policy laying out goals, timeline, stakeholders, and a commitment to community engagement, transparency, and equitable outcomes.

2) Multi-Disciplinary Leadership

An official city Vision Zero Taskforce (or Leadership Committee) is created and charged with leading the planning effort for Vision Zero. The Taskforce should include, at a minimum, high-ranking representatives from the following local departments: Office of the Mayor, Police, Transportation (or equivalent), and Public Health. Other departments to involve include Planning, Fire, Emergency Services, Public Works, District Attorney, Office of Senior Services, Disability, and the School District.

3) Action Plan

A Vision Zero Action Plan (or Strategy) is created within one year of initial commitment. The Action Plan is implemented with clear strategies, “owners” of each strategy, interim targets, timelines, and performance measures.

4) Equity and fairness for all users and stakeholders

Vision Zero Network

City stakeholders commit to both an equitable approach to Vision Zero by establishing inclusive and representative processes, as well as to equitable outcomes by ensuring measurable benchmarks to provide safe transportation options for all road users in all parts of the city.

5) Cooperation and Collaboration

A commitment is made to encourage meaningful cooperation and collaboration among relevant governmental agencies and community stakeholders to establish a framework for multiple stakeholders to set shared goals and focus on coordination and accountability.

6) Systems-Based Approach

City leaders commit to and prioritize a systems-based approach to Vision Zero — focusing on the built environment, systems, and policies that influence behavior — as well as adopting messaging that emphasizes that these traffic losses are preventable.

7) Data-Driven

City stakeholders leading Vision Zero efforts commit to gather, analyze, utilize, and share reliable data to understand traffic safety issues and prioritize resources based on evidence of the greatest needs and impact.

8) Community Engagement

Opportunities are created to invite meaningful community engagement, such as select community representation on the Taskforce, broader community input through public meetings or workshops, online surveys, and other feedback opportunities.

9) Transparency

The city’s process is transparent to city stakeholders and the community, including regular updates on the progress on the Action Plan and performance measures, and a yearly report (at minimum) to the local governing board (e.g., City Council).

Vision Zero has dramatically reduced traffic fatalities and injuries in the communities that have thoroughly implemented it.  It's time to start implementing this powerful and effective program in Missouri now.

Columbia, Missouri--led by the PedNet Coalition, the local bicycle & pedestrian advocacy group there--is moving rapidly to implement Vision Zero.  We would  like to see many other Missouri communities move to adopt Vision Zero as well.

Please take a look at the national Vision Zero Network page to find out more.

Visit MoBikeFed's Vision Zero Page to find out more about Vision Zero in Missouri and how to implement Vision Zero in your community.

Working to improve safety and reduce injuries and fatalities for all road users is one of four major goals in our Vision for Bicycling and Walking in Missouri.

Your ongoing membership and generous financial support help turn our Vision into reality!