For much of the last century, North American cities have been designed and planned to fit the needs of people using cars as their main form of transportation. These cities are realizing change is needed to promote active transportation (walking, biking) and healthier lifestyles. One major avenue they are utilizing to tackle this challenge is Vision Zero
(VZ), a road safety strategy born in Sweden in the 1990s. VZ believes death and serious injuries as a result of traffic collisions can be avoided by implementing a safe systems approach to road safety.
Implementation of VZ throughout North America varies due to wide population and geographic size differences among cities, differing political climates and varied approaches to transportation planning and municipal governance. Therefore, it is essential to explore various VZ strategies to highlight what has worked, and what hasn’t. This report aims to answer key questions such as:
1. What are the most effective approaches to VZ implementation in North America?
2. Why do some North American cities succeed while others struggle in VZ implementation?
3. What aspects of road safety have proven to be crucial throughout most VZ cities in North America?
The main findings of the report are:
What works in North American Vision Zero initiatives:
1. Reducing speed
2. Crosswalk and intersection improvements aimed at pedestrians
3. Proactive departmental interaction
4. Commitment from the Mayor/Elected Officials
5. Data-Driven Approaches
Areas for improvement in North American Vision Zero Initiatives:
1. Increasing road safety for individuals in neighbourhoods with significant
low-income/racialized populations
2. State/federal/provincial roads and highways going through cities
3. Changing the legal mechanisms that favour drivers over other road users
Recommendations:
1. Develop uniform engineering standards for highways & municipal streets
2. Define the role of community engagement in VZ
3. Utilize quick-build and large-scale projects in engineering strategies
4. Increase the use of ‘Daylighting’
5. Enhance collaboration between city departments
6. Expand the use of data-driven approaches to inform VZ strategies
