Citation

Vock DC. Governing 2017; 30(5): 38-43.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Congressional Quarterly)

DOI

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PMID

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Abstract

Vision Zero is a program whose goal is zero traffic fatalities, whether traveling by car, bicycle, bus or foot. It began as an initiative of the Swedish government in 1997 and was first instituted in the United States following the inauguration of New York City Mayor Bill deBlasio in 2014. Vision Zero (VZ) is now official policy in nearly two dozen cities, from Portland, OR to Fort Lauderdale, FL. However, the question remains as to whether VZ will be effective in the long run, as cities will be required to commit wholeheartedly to its ambitious goal and stick with it in the future. This article takes a look at how New York City developed its program and how it is being tailored to cities like San Antonio, TX and Portland, OR. While pedestrian deaths draw the most attention in the program, VZ employs the same strategies for other road users, as well. Two major sources of information provide cities with the basis to form their VZ plans - data analysis and discussions among city agencies and outside community groups, with both providing insights forcing officials to recalibrate their approaches. Education campaigns will not be enough on their own to make the programs successful; long-lasting changes depend on changes to the physical roads.

KEYWORDS: Bicycles; Bicyclists; Bicycling