Vision Zero Action Plan aims to increase road safety

Improving safety along Cape Cod’s roadways is a key component of the Cape Cod Commission’s transportation work, and now, even more is being done as the Commission develops a Vision Zero Action Plan for the region.

Funded by a federal Safe Streets for All (SS4A) grant, Vision Zero is a vision to eliminate roadway fatalities and serious injuries on the nation’s roadways. In partnership with local, state, and federal stakeholders, and with assistance from a consultant, the Commission will develop a Vision Zero Action Plan and High Injury Network for Cape Cod. Once complete, the plan will benefit all fifteen towns on Cape Cod. Communities and projects identified in the final plan will automatically qualify to apply for a SS4A Implementation Grant.

The Vision Zero Action Plan is guided by a committee comprised of local transportation leaders and other stakeholders. The Vision Zero Advisory Committee (VZAC) will oversee plan development and provide feedback throughout the process. The committee will convene hybrid meetings that will be open to the public. The first meeting will take place this summer.

Improvements for high crash locations will be identified to enhance road safety and drastically lower, with a goal of eventually eliminating, traffic fatalities and serious injuries for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and public transit riders. Additionally, safety policies and strategies will be recommended to help reduce fatalities and crashes with serious injuries. Once completed, a comprehensive plan will be established that will lead to a safer road network for all.

The Vision Zero Action Plan will follow the US Department of Transportation’s goal of zero roadway deaths using a Safe Systems Approach, which focuses on safer people, safer vehicles, safer speeds, safer roads, and post-crash care.

An online public comment tool developed by the Commission and consultant Kimley-Horn is available for all roadway users to identify locations with safety concerns or where crashes or near-crashes have occurred. Tool users can also suggest safety improvements in specific locations.

Public outreach will help inform priority locations for safety improvements and strategies. Over the next several months, additional public outreach, including pop-up tables and public meetings, will be scheduled.

The Cape Cod Vision Zero Action Plan, a pathway to a safer future, will allow for a systematic crash analysis and set of solutions to tackle the root causes of all crashes, emphasizing those involving bicyclists, pedestrians, and other non-motorists. The Action Plan will consider a range of low-cost, high-impact regional strategies such as bike light distribution, updated pedestrian signal equipment, and major infrastructure improvements at key locations.

Learn more: www.capecodcommission.org/vision-zero