Vision Zero is based on the idea that zero is the only acceptable number of traffic deaths, with cities around the globe adopting the goal of ending traffic fatalities.
The Vision Zero Network has been launched to help American cities adopt the most effective street safety policies that will help achieve the zero deaths goal. The network is being led by Leah Shahum, former executive director of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, with support from Kaiser Permanente. The purpose of the Vision Zero Network will be two-fold, says Shahum. First, the group aims to connect officials in leading Vision Zero cities to facilitate the sharing of best practices. Second, it will establish benchmarks to determine whether cities are backing up the rhetoric with real policy action.
Shahum said the Vision Zero Network will include representatives from several agencies in five to 10 leading cities, which have not yet been selected. Officials from the mayor’s office, transportation department, police forces, and public health department in each city will participate. The network will develop a standard to define what it means to be a “Vision Zero city.”
For more information, click here.