De Blasio makes national pitch for Vision Zero

[brooklynite]

Mayor and presidential hopeful Bill de Blasio thinks the nation could benefit from his “Vision Zero” program to eliminate traffic deaths on New York City streets — an effort he renewed Thursday, following a recent surge in cyclist fatalities.

“There’s no reason Vision Zero could not be made national policy, to slow people down, to make sure there’s a lot more enforcement, to have things like speed cameras around schools,” said the mayor during a press conference in Bay Ridge. “I mean, these are all things that will protect lives, particularly protect the lives of kids and seniors. And I think that’s something that people could agree on all over this country.”

In the second month of his mayoralty, de Blasio launched his safe streets campaign during a somber press conference at an Upper West Side elementary school. He surrounded himself with family members of traffic victims, including the parents of 12-year-old Sammy Cohen Eckstein, whose mother would go on to become a prominent safe streets advocate.

De Blasio borrowed his Vision Zero program from Sweden, and it was rooted in the argument that the city could all but eliminate traffic deaths through stronger enforcement, better street design and education. De Blasio aimed to achieve his goal of zero deaths by 2024. His administration has made some progress toward that end, but it remains out of reach.

Just spitballing here, but being able to implement the policy at home would be a good precursor to proposing it nationally.

[crazytown]

1. de Blasio is running a zero vision campaign.

zero chances

[thesquanderer]

2. He DID implement it at home.

To mixed results so far. Check the Implementation and Results sections at

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vision_Zero_(New_York_City)

Funny thing, I'd been seeing all the Vision Zero bumper stickers on taxicabs all over the city, and for the longest time, had no idea what it meant, nor did the few people I asked. It's not a phrase that instantly communicates what it is, and outside of those bumper stickers, the existence of the program is not all that widely publicized. I mean, sure, everyone knew the speed limits were being reduced (or at least noticed the new signs!), but that doesn't mean we knew it was somehow related to this "vision zero" phrase, which I think is kinda dumb and meaningless sounding. And they probably paid some branding company to come up with it.

Anyway, it seems like a silly thing to propose nationwide. If you've seen Manhattan streets, you'll know both why it is something we could need in Manhattan and why it is probably not needed in most of the country. It's a big city thing, and even among big cities, there are many differences in how roadways and pedestrian routes have been implemented. This is a perfect example of the kind of issue that should be addressed locally rather than nationally.

[Demsrule86]

3. Vision zero is another way to fine poor people rather than make better off folks pay their fair

share...In Youngstown where my kids go to college...poor area. There are tons of cameras in the poorest areas, speed traps although how anyone can speed over the shitty roads is a mystery, against the law to run out of gas ...must have white curtains in windows or your get fined...there is a large list...and if you get a ticket or arrested even if the charges are dropped,you can expect to pay a minimum of $150.00 in court fees...Vision zero is a bad idea...akin to a scam. And given the disparity in ticketing, people of color will pay more.