Vision Zero
Cities across the country are taking action and forming a “Vision Zero Network.” Vision Zero is a strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all. Vision Zero is grounded in the belief that everyone has a right to move safely in their communities and that all traffic deaths are preventable. We recognize that drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists will sometimes make mistakes, and a Vision Zero transportation strategy will ensure that these inevitable mistakes do not result in severe injury or death.
The time has come to stop normalizing and ignoring New Haven’s traffic violence crisis. Speeding and reckless driving are major problems in our city. Since 2017, there have been 437 motor vehicle crashes that resulted in either serious injury or death. These life-threatening incidents are enabled and encouraged by infrastructure designed for high-speed motor vehicles and a lack of enforcement. By continuing to cater to cars over pedestrians, bicyclists, and other vulnerable users, we put the convenience of drivers over the safety of everyone. Streets are public spaces and should connect neighborhoods, not act as life-threatening barriers.
Though it is long overdue, we demand that the city comply with Complete Streets legislation and move to swiftly implement changes that will ensure the safety of everyone on our streets. You can read our Vision Zero Statement here.
CURRENT STATUS:
In 2021, Safe Streets presented a Vision Zero agreement to the City, which they declined to sign on to.
In 2022, legislation led by Connecticut Representative Roland Lemar and supported to groups across the state passed, establishing a Vision Zero Task Force.
In 2023, a bill was passed to implement the recommendations of the Vision Zero Task Force, including a provision that now allows cities to create automated speed and red-light enforcement programs.