INDIANAPOLIS – On Monday evening, the Indianapolis City and County Council passed a proposal that would significantly improve pedestrian and cyclist safety.
Proposition 224, or Vision Zero, aims to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2035.
WATCH | Introducing Vision Zero: Indy’s Mission to Zero Traffic Fatalities (wrtv.com)
City and district council hears “Vision Zero” proposal
Previously, the city had seen a dramatic increase in the number of fatal accidents involving pedestrians, cyclists and motorists, as well as hit-and-run accidents.
“As co-authors of the Vision Zero proposal, we are very pleased with the successful passage by our Council colleagues tonight,” said Council Members John Barth and Andy Nielsen. “This landmark ordinance is an important step toward our goal of eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries on our roadways. By making the safety of all road users – pedestrians, cyclists and motorists alike – our highest priority, we are strongly committed to a safer and more livable Indianapolis. We are grateful for the support of our colleagues and the community in advancing this important initiative.”
The Vision Zero plan originated in Europe, but has also been successful in US cities such as Milwaukee (Wisconsin), Columbus (Ohio) and Hoboken (New Jersey).
How it works
Vision Zero establishes a 15-member task force, appointed by both the Council President and the Mayor, to oversee the development and implementation of a Vision Zero Action Plan.
The task force is a joint effort of the City and County Council, the City of Indianapolis, other local government agencies, community organizations and residents with the goal of making Indianapolis safer and more livable.
The proposal also authorizes the city to hire a full-time Vision Zero administrator to coordinate cross-departmental efforts.
The initiative is independent of the annual budget process and focuses on long-term policy solutions and budget recommendations to be considered and adopted over the next decade.
“By working together with community members and other stakeholders, we can ensure a safer transportation network for all users of our city’s infrastructure,” said Brandon Herget, director of the Department of Public Works. “The passage of the Vision Zero ordinance tonight reflects our commitment to creating safer streets for all users.”
