Back in March, Mayor Ed Gainey announced a significant policy shift for Pittsburgh, committing the city to the international "Vision Zero" movement, which aims to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injuries. This commitment involves a comprehensive Vision Zero Action Plan that will coordinate efforts across multiple city departments. Councilwoman Barb Warwick is set to introduce a resolution to City Council to formalize this commitment and outline initial steps toward the goal.

Immediate actions following the resolution will include forming a Fatal Crash Response team, establishing an all-department Vision Zero Task Force, and launching the High Injury Network Map to direct efforts in reducing fatalities. DOMI's first Complete Streets Biennial Report to City Council provided supporting statistics for the Vision Zero initiative, highlighting the 245 traffic-related deaths in Pittsburgh between 2010 and 2022, with pedestrians and cyclists comprising roughly a third of these fatalities.

The push for zero traffic deaths is not only a safety measure but also an equity issue, as road deaths disproportionately affect Black and brown communities. Mayor Gainey's approach includes policy, funding, education, and personnel to prevent fatalities, though no specific target date for achieving zero has been set. The National Roadway Safety Strategy, developed by Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, echoes the local efforts with its five elements to address traffic fatalities on a national scale.

Bike Pittsburgh has advocated for a zero traffic deaths policy since 2014, and recent developments, including a grant awarded by President Biden's Safe Streets and Roads for All program, will aid in creating a Vision Zero Action Plan for the city and region. This plan is crucial for future funding opportunities to improve road safety. Mayor Gainey's commitment is seen as a positive step by Bike Pittsburgh, aligning with public sentiment, as evidenced by a poll indicating the widespread impact of traffic crashes on Pittsburgh voters.

This proactive stance on traffic safety has the potential to not only save lives but also to secure additional funding for projects that promote safer streets and multimodal transportation options.

As Southwestern Pennsylvania continues to grapple with its own transportation challenges, the lessons learned from Pittsburgh's Vision Zero initiative can inspire similar commitments throughout the region. Embracing this goal can lead to a more equitable transportation system that respects the dignity of all road users, particularly pedestrians and cyclists, and contributes to the overall quality of life and well-being of our communities.