Chicago is following in the footsteps of cities around the country (a few years behind the pack) in adopting a Vision Zero plan to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2026.
John Greenfield reports on the city of Chicago's announcement this week of a Vision Zero plan to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2026. The plan's delivery is slightly overdue, after the Rahm Administration promised the plan in fall of 2016, but Greenfield writes "[that] the important thing is that Chicago is finally getting moving on this crucial mission to reduce the carnage on our streets, where currently dozens of people are injured in crashes every day, and more than 100 people are killed in collisions each year."
Greenfield's analysis first approaches the Vision Zero plan from the angle of equity. "As I’ve discussed before, since the Vision Zero efforts will be focused on these High Crash Areas, which are largely lower-income communities of color, it’s important that any increase in traffic enforcement be done in an equitable way," writes Greenfield. The city already has a problem with giving a disproportionate number of tickets for bike infractions to Black residents of the city, as a March report revealed.
As for the capital investment components included in the plan, Greenfield reports:
Under the three-year plan, CDOT plans to improve 300 intersections to make them safer for pedestrians. CDOT will also work with the CTA to improve access and safety at 25 stations, encouraging the use of transit through targeted safety improvements in the vicinity of CTA stations and bus stops, particularly in high crash zones.
Mary Wisniewski also reports on the new Vision Zero plan in a separate article for the Chicago Tribune.
FULL STORY: At Long Last, the City Releases the Chicago Vision Zero Action Plan
Chicago Could Join Other Cities in Lowering Speed Limits
Lowering speed limits by just 10 miles per hour can have a major impact on traffic safety.
Chicago Left Turn Traffic Calming Reduces Crashes
The city installed reflective posts and speed bumps at dangerous intersections to induce drivers to take left turns more slowly and carefully.
Let’s End Traffic Stops
The technology to make traffic enforcement obsolete is becoming available. But in the U.S. willing to use it?
Montreal Mall to Become 6,000 Housing Units
Place Versailles will be transformed into a mixed-use complex over the next 25 years.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Four Reasons Urban Planners Can’t Ignore AI
It’s no longer a question of whether AI will shape planning, but how. That how is up to us.
Bend, Deschutes County Move to Restrict Major Homeless Encampment
City and county officials are closing off portions of an area known as Juniper Ridge where many unhoused residents find shelter, hoping to direct people to housing and supportive services.
High Housing Costs Driving Down Transit Ridership in LA
When neighborhoods gentrify and displace lower-income residents, transit ridership suffers, new research shows.
Iowa Legalizes Accessory Dwelling Units
A new law will allow property owners to build ADUs on single-family lots starting on July 1.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Mt Shasta
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada