Crime rates are down significantly in most communities.
Many deadly diseases have been curbed.
Fewer people are smoking.
Even air and rail travel is less dangerous than in the past.
“This is the safest time for transportation in history, except for pedestrians and bicyclists,” warnsU.S.
Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx.
Older Americans are particularly vulnerable, according to theNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The saddest fact and greatest opportunity is that all of these deaths are preventable.
“It’s scary.
This is a public safety issue.”
“The Vision Zero Initiative puts this responsibility on system design.”
The results could be seen immediately.
“If we can do that here in New York, it can be done anywhere.”
San Francisco, too, is aiming to end all traffic-related deaths over the next 10 years.
“The older population is changing.
The Vision Zero idea is spreading.
“That’s big news in a place so associated with car culture,” says Shahum.
A key priority for all Vision Zero cities is protecting the most vulnerable.
“Who are the most common victims of traffic violence?”
Shahum asks and then answers.
“Older people, younger people, people of color and disadvantaged communities.
Helping these people will mean safer streets for everyone who drives, walks or bikes.”
This differs from the view that prevailed in the U.S. for much of the past century.
“Walk at your own risk.
Bike at your own risk.”
Gil Penalosa believes that safer streets can become a winning issue for politicians of all political stripes.
“Boomers want to feel safe on the streets, and they vote.
Still, Penalosa worries that many politicians lack a sense of urgency about the problems.
“We need to push them,” he declares.
“We’re talking about people’s lives and freedom to move.
We can’t wait to do this gradually.
Youll have to live in fear.
But things will be great when your kids get older.”
Page published October 2015
