10 Years of Vision Zero and Open Street
Traffic fatalities were 16% lower in the last ten years compared to the decade preceding Vision Zero – a difference of more than 450 lives. Together with Families for Safe Streets, we analyzed the past 10 years of Vision Zero, and here are some of our key takeaways:
Vision Zero has saved hundreds of lives: pedestrian fatalities fell 29% over the decade. Reducing speed limits, installing speed safety cameras, and implementing Leading Pedestrian Intervals (LPIs) — which give pedestrians and bike riders a 5-7 second head start at lights to increase visibility — are effective measures to decrease pedestrian fatalities. LPIs have resulted in a 34% decrease in pedestrian fatalities and serious injuries! Traffic calming measures save lives.
At the same time, New York City hasn’t reached Vision Zero. In 2023, the same number of New Yorkers, 259, were killed in traffic violence as in the program's first year.
2023 was especially deadly for bike riders – the deadliest year since 1999. Almost all bike riders killed in the first decade of Vision Zero died on streets with no protected bicycle infrastructure.
Vision Zero works when we invest in it citywide. To make our streets safer and more accessible to all, we need to prioritize the safety of everyone on our streets, especially pedestrians and bike riders.
THREE THINGS TO KNOW
New mid-block crossings make Atlantic Avenue safer. With high traffic volumes, Atlantic Avenue is one of Brooklyn's most dangerous and deadliest streets. Last week, DOT installed three new mid-block pedestrian crossings between Bond and Nevins Streets, Hoyt and Bond Streets, and Smith and Hoyt Streets. Each mid-block crossing is equipped with new traffic lights and pedestrian ramps to enhance pedestrian safety. Although the new crossings are a significant step forward, there is still a lot of work to be done. Sign this letter to DOT demanding further improvements for pedestrian safety.
The number of Open Streets decreased significantly in the last month. The number of Open Streets listed by the City has decreased by 60% since last month and 43% since February 2023 — there are now just 77 Open Streets, the smallest number since the program launched in May 2020. Tell Mayor Adams to expand Open Streets, not cut them, to ensure that all New Yorkers have access to quality public spaces and safe routes to walk and bike. Sign our petition to make Open Streets a reality 24/7/365.
In the news. Here's what we're reading this week:
West Harlem will receive new stationary curbside trash containers and side-loading trucks next year, reports Streetsblog.
To combat rising emissions Parisians vote in favor of tripling parking costs for SUVs — instituting a new weight-based parking requirement, reports The Guardian.
Gothamist reported on our analysis of the first decade of Vision Zero data — highlighting a surge in traffic violence in lower-income neighborhoods of color.
TWO THINGS TO DO
Submit your panel idea for Vision Zero Cities! TA's 11th Annual Vision Zero Cities is taking place in New York City in October 2024. To make Vision Zero a reality, we are now accepting panel submissions to facilitate bold and forward-thinking conversations. We are seeking presentations on a variety of issues including street design, city planning, advocacy, social justice, sustainable transportation, community organization, and others, at a variety of scales and with street safety at their core. Submit your panel proposal by March 1 and join us this October!
Ride the Tour de Staten Island with your +1! If you're an avid cyclist, you won't want to miss the opportunity to participate in the largest cycling event in Staten Island. To make the experience more special, why not invite your friend or crush to join you? Sign up now for the 2024 Tour de Staten Island with your friend or crush! Save the date for April 21: the most romantic day of the year.
ONE ACTION TO TAKE NOW
Show support for congestion pricing in New York City. Congestion pricing will reduce crashes, deliver billions for transit upgrades, speed up buses, and improve air quality. Make your voice heard and share a written comment supporting congestion pricing in New York City by leaving a public comment to the MTA.
