Tampa Road Safety Efforts Pay Off

The city’s Vision Zero initiative, bolstered by federal Safe Streets funds, has led to a significant drop in traffic deaths.

1 minute read

January 24, 2024, 7:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Green separated bike lane in Tampa, Florida.

City of Tampa / Bike lane

Tampa’s use of federal Safe Streets for All (SS4A) grant funding to boost its Vision Zero efforts has garnered national attention. According to an article by Liz Shulz in Tampa Free Press, “Tampa’s approach demonstrates how effective policies can yield swift and tangible benefits for its residents.”

The city has used much of the $22.6 million it received in SS4A funding between 2022 and 2023 to implement ‘quick build’ projects that improve road safety and demonstrate the efficacy of small but impactful changes.

The initiative’s impact is already evident: traffic deaths reduced to 53 in 2023, down from 77 the previous year. By pinpointing hazardous roads and pedestrian-vulnerable areas, the city adopts a community-centric approach to transportation safety.

Tampa’s success shows that regional partnerships, strategic planning, and a focus on solutions that can be deployed quickly can make a rapid impact on traffic safety.

Friday, January 19, 2024 in Tampa Free Press

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