Vision Zero SB Works to Improve Pedestrian and

Cyclist Safety

By Kenny Slaught

The Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition has teamed with the Coalition for Sustainable Transportation to bring Vision Zero to Santa Barbara, California. Based on similar programs in New York and San Francisco, the initiative aims to make streets safer for pedestrians and bicyclists. When compared with other cities of the same size, Santa Barbara ranks second in pedestrian collisions and fourth in bicycle-related collisions. More than half of fatal accidents in the city in the past 10 years have involved pedestrians and bicyclists.

Introduction

Vision Zero proposes a number of steps to improve safety, including greater police enforcement of speed and safety laws, campaigns to lower speed limits on certain streets, and better lighting on city streets. In addition, the initiative pushes for speed cameras, “slow zones,” and traffic-calming measures, as well as the permanent installation of a Vision Zero task force in city hall. The program aims to reduce the fatality rate for pedestrians and bicyclists to zero by 2025.

Individuals can read the Vision Zero SB platform and learn how to support the cause at www.visionzerosb.org.

Vision Zero