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I've been studying Vision Zero for a few years, and I'm excited to see Atlanta finally sign on.
Last year, 73 people died on Atlanta's roads. For a city of about a half million, that is astounding. We desperately need bold action to save lives. https://www.enotrans.org/article/guest-op-ed-atlanta-adopts-vision-zero-now-comes-the-hard-part-implementation/
Last year, 73 people died on Atlanta's roads. For a city of about a half million, that is astounding. We desperately need bold action to save lives. https://www.enotrans.org/article/guest-op-ed-atlanta-adopts-vision-zero-now-comes-the-hard-part-implementation/
In public health, we use population mortality rates to compare different areas. In 2019, Atlanta's mortality rate was 14.6 deaths per 100,000. For pedestrians alone, the rate was about 7 deaths per 100,000.
The cities Atlanta likes to compare itself to have fewer *total* traffic deaths than that.
Responding to such a remarkably high burden of deaths will take a lot of work and a complete rethinking of how we operate.
Responding to such a remarkably high burden of deaths will take a lot of work and a complete rethinking of how we operate.
Vision Zero isn't a slogan. It really isn't a goal. It's a philosophy that turns outdated transportation practices on it's head.
Unfortunately, Atlanta has a habit of making bold proclamations and commitments without the necessary followup.
Unfortunately, Atlanta has a habit of making bold proclamations and commitments without the necessary followup.
The RENEW Atlanta Bond and TSPLOST were rare opportunities to rethink how we move in this city. Atlantans voted overwhelmingly in favor of the referenda.
Many promises were made to rebuild our transportation network in a way that was safer and more sustainable.
Many promises were made to rebuild our transportation network in a way that was safer and more sustainable.
Unfortunately, both those programs have been marred by poor planning and a lack of leadership.
I genuinely fear that Atlanta's Vision Zero program will be like so many of the visionary goals in this city: Great PR, but lack the leadership needed to make it happen.
Making roads safer requires tough decisions.
Population level improvements frequently require small individual inconveniences. This is one of the key challenges of public health policy. Visionary leaders make those tough decisions and deal with the fallout.
Population level improvements frequently require small individual inconveniences. This is one of the key challenges of public health policy. Visionary leaders make those tough decisions and deal with the fallout.
Sometimes they get credit. Sometimes they don't.
If you're in transpo safety to get credit or good press, this isn't the field for you. There aren't quick solutions.
If you want to make drastic improvements to people's lives, this is the fight you want to be in.
If you're in transpo safety to get credit or good press, this isn't the field for you. There aren't quick solutions.
If you want to make drastic improvements to people's lives, this is the fight you want to be in.
If you were to ask me what the key ingredient to success in Vision Zero?
Leadership. From the Mayor, City Council, to DOT. These folks set the tone. If they are committed to making streets safer and doing everything possible to make it happen, the results follow.
Leadership. From the Mayor, City Council, to DOT. These folks set the tone. If they are committed to making streets safer and doing everything possible to make it happen, the results follow.
Advocacy groups play a big role too. People don't have the institutional knowledge or time to attend endless meetings. Advocacy groups have to step up and hold elected officials and DOTs responsible for their actions or lack thereof.
