Five Lessons from Vision Zero and our new Citi Bike campaign

A decade ago, New York City launched the first Vision Zero program in the country. Vision Zero has undoubtedly saved hundreds of lives – but there’s still much more to be done to finally reach zero traffic fatalities and serious injuries in the five boroughs. 

After analyzing ten years of data, we identified the trends that help explain both the successes and shortcomings of Vision Zero.

Our new report highlights five key lessons from New York City's Vision Zero program — outlining what our leaders must do to ensure Vision Zero's success in the next decade: 

  •  Implement safety interventions systemwide

  •  Make inexpensive changes universal

  •  Build self-enforcing streets

  •  Focus on action, not advertising

  •  Adapt to changing conditions

The 10-year anniversary of Vision Zero marks an opportunity for us to assess our progress — acknowledging what has worked, what has not, and why. 

 As we look to the future, we must adapt Vision Zero to the reality of New York City streets in 2024. Vision Zero is successful when we invest in it and implement it across every corner of our city — our leaders must recommit to Vision Zero now. 

Three Things to Know

Support our Youth Activist Committee’s new Citi Bike for Students campaign. Our Youth Activist Committee recently launched its first campaign advocating for $5 monthly Citi Bike memberships for public high school and CUNY students. Everyone deserves an affordable way to get around, and Citi Bike should be one of them! Support the campaign by signing our petition to provide better transportation options for New York City students.

The Department of Sanitation brought out pint-sized snow cleaners to clear bike lanes. New York City has 3,200 snow removal machines, most of which are trash collection trucks repurposed for snow removal. These smaller snow plows are designed to navigate through narrow and congested streets, which makes them perfect for clearing bike lanes. This winter, DSNY committed to clearing bike paths and roads simultaneously for the first time, making winter rides safer and more convenient for everyone.

In the news. Here's what we're reading this week:

  • As e-commerce grows, New York City plans to turn six waterfront locations into waterfront shipping hubs, reports Gothamist

  • Streetsblog reports on our 10-year Vision Zero report, highlighting both the successes and shortcomings of America's first Vision Zero program.

  • Ahead of congestion pricing, New York City must boost bus service to give riders more frequent, reliable commutes. Read more in The City.

TWO THINGS TO DO

Show your support for congestion pricing. Congestion pricing is slated to happen this year. We have the power to make a difference and show the MTA that residents from all five boroughs are in favor of this initiative. Submit a comment to the MTA today. Have questions on how to comment? Check out this piece from the New York Groove highlighting why commenting is important and how you can do it. By commenting, we can ensure that our public transit remains well-funded, and our city can thrive.

Tour de Staten Island is TA's Super Bowl! Sign up now for the 2024 Tour de Staten Island, happening on April 21. Enjoy scenic views along 1,000 cyclists at Staten Island's biggest and most iconic cycling event. It's a chance to challenge yourself, have fun, and be part of the New York cycling community. Show your love for biking like Usher did with his love for skating.  Register today!

ONE ACTION TO TAKE NOW

DOT wants to hear from you. DOT is working on a new strategic plan that will shape the future of New York City. Your feedback is crucial in helping shape a vision that represents the needs of all New Yorkers. By taking part in their survey before March 1, you can help bring attention to the most significant street safety issues affecting you and your neighborhood. 

Previous
Previous

Regulating Delivery Apps and Congestion Pricing Now!

Next
Next

10 Years of Vision Zero and Open Street