Throughout this week, we have been focusing on a few of the elements from the Denver Vision Zero Action Plan. From designing safe streets, promoting a culture of safety, and improving driver behavior, there are many ways all of us can work together towards the goal of zero fatal or injury traffic crashes by 2030. While we touched on a few, the full plan for the city to eliminate these crashes includes nearly 70 specific actions in short-term, medium-term, and long-term periods.
In 2018, Denver’s Vision Zero program accomplished the installation of more than 19 miles of bike lanes, hired four dedicated Vision Zero staff members, and launched a number of outreach events that began to educate the community and institutionalize a culture of safety.
59 people still died in preventable traffic deaths in 2018.
We’ve accomplished a lot, there is still a great deal to be done if we wish to reach the goal of zero traffic deaths by the year 2030. Moving forward, Vision Zero Denver is continuing their efforts to reach their goals. Their 2019 plan focuses on specific points of Engineering/Capital Investment, Enforcement, Education, and Policy. You can read more about those plans here.
As we have emphasized before, the goal to end traffic deaths and serious injuries should not just be a goal of our city leaders, it should be a goal of all of ours. Whether you’re a driver, cyclist, motorcyclist, or pedestrian, there is something we can all do as members of a community to help keep our streets safe. Here are some of those things:
Don’t drive under the influence or drive distracted. Utilize ride share services and public transportation and put your devices away while driving.
Slow down. The slower we drive the least likely pedestrians in a crash are to die or have a life-altering injury. Cyclists must also obey bike speed limits.
Obey all traffic signs and signals when riding a bike or walking. Only cross streets at designated crosswalks. For a full list of Denver’s Pedestrian Rules, click here.
When riding a bike, follow the rules of the road. Stay off the sidewalks unless in permitted conditions, use turn signals, stay in appropriate lanes, and use correct bike lights. For a full list of Denver’s Bike Rules, click here.
Report safety concerns when you see them. Contact Denver Public Works by calling 311 or reporting a problem on Pocketgov. Speak to your local city council members about the changes in safety that are important to you.
Join the Vision Zero Coalition to get involved in events and activities.