The City of Madison Officially Recognized as a Vision Zero Community

The City of Madison has been officially recognized as a Vision Zero community for its work to prioritize the safety of all road users, including adopting a Vision Zero plan setting the goal of zero traffic deaths or severe injuries by 2035.

The recognition of Madison’s work comes from the national Vision Zero Network, a nonprofit campaign working to promote and support Vision Zero across the U.S.  Through the Network, Madison will have opportunities to connect with other Vision Zero cities, learn Best Practices, and access promising strategies from across the nation and globe.

“Madison is proud to be recognized by the Vision Zero Network. We know that speed reductions, changes in street design and public engagement have a direct impact in the reduction of traffic related deaths and serious injuries,” said Mayor Rhodes-Conway.  “The ability to learn from projects and outcomes in other cities, as well their methods and strategies will be very useful as we implement our Vision Zero Action Plan.”

Madison began the march to zero almost two years ago.  In that time, many speed reductions, street redesigns, infrastructure improvements, improved biking and walking facilities, and community engagement efforts have already occurred throughout the city.  With the added knowledge of the other cities in the Vision Zero Network, the future of this initiative, and its goal of zero traffic fatalities by 2035, is looking more possible each day.   

"Congratulations to Madison for its stepped-up commitment to safe mobility for all,” said Leah Shahum, Vision Zero Network founder and director. “The actions that Madison leaders are already taking, including lowering speeds where needed and re-designing streets to be safer, are the kinds of steps needed to make life-saving changes. We look forward to Madison’s leadership.”

More than 45 communities have been recognized as Vision Zero cities by the Network. The U.S. Department of Transportation also recently made news by making its first commitment to the goal of zero roadway fatalities and releasing a first-ever National Roadway Safety Strategy. New funding has also been approved in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to support Vision Zero planning and implementation efforts, strengthening the commitment to safety with meaningful resources to create change. This all comes at a time when traffic deaths in the U.S. are on the ride, particularly amongst people walking.

For more information on this initiative, visit the Vision Zero website.



 

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