We were pleased that so many people joined us on September 29th, 2021 to re-think the role of enforcement in traffic safety work. Our goal at Vision Zero Network in facilitating this conversation and other related work is to better understand and help change the racist systems we are working within. We invite you to […]
Re-thinking the Role of Enforcement
Addressing Unjust Financial Penalties in Traffic Safety, Vision Zero
by Nora Hanak Along with troubling racial disparities evident in law enforcement, including traffic stops, many are increasingly recognizing the economic inequities that are often a collateral consequence of traditional traffic safety efforts. It’s clear that the criminal justice system and related financial penalties associated with traffic citations disproportionately harm people of color and people […]
Sound Off: Improving Federal Transportation Equity Data
Share Your Feedback by July 22nd (new date!) It’s no secret that we have much room to improve in this country to make our transportation systems truly equitable and safe for all people. And a lot of the “fix” starts with collecting and using better data that recognizes and addresses existing inequities, especially regarding racial […]
Changing the Role of Policing in Traffic Safety: Berkeley Leads Early Progress
The Vision Zero Network is one of many organizations questioning the role of enforcement in the goal of traffic safety. Traffic stops are the most common way for people in the U.S. to interact with police. And Black drivers are twice as likely to be pulled over and four-times as likely to be searched by […]
Talking with Sylvester Turner, the Mayor of Houston Texas
Sylvester Turner is in his second term as Mayor of Houston, Texas. He is working to break down silos in the city’s approach to mobility and he recently launched Houston’s Vision Zero Plan Action Plan. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to talk with the Mayor about the City’s work for safe mobility. Vision Zero Network: […]
Reflecting on lessons learned and working to advance justice and equity in Vision Zero
Here at the Vision Zero Network, we have been thinking a lot about transformative change in America’s approach toward safe mobility. Given the nation’s history of racial injustices and ongoing systemic racism, transportation safety work must confront and correct over-emphasis on police enforcement. We need a paradigm shift that starts with acknowledging past wrongs and […]
Webinar Recap: Understanding & Addressing Transportation Equity in Latino Communities in the U.S.
by Nora Hanak We were pleased to host a conversation in November 2020 aimed at better understanding and addressing transportation equity in Latino Communities in the U.S. Our knowledgeable and engaging presenters were Amanda Merck, of Salud America!, the Latino health equity promotion program at the Institute for Health Promotion Research at UT Health San […]
Webinar Recap: How MPOs Can Lead on Vision Zero & Equitable Mobility
By Nora Hanak We are encouraged to see that Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) are increasingly recognizing their roles in the critical work of safety and equity in their mobility efforts. In our September 24th webinar, “How MPOs Can Lead on Vision Zero & Equitable Mobility” (linked below), we were pleased to learn from Lake McTighe, […]
Webinar Recap: Restorative Justice Strategies for Safe Streets
By Nora Hanak The Vision Zero Network was pleased to host a webinar on August 18, 2020 to share an innovative approach to driving-related offenses that seeks to increase awareness and meaningful accountability amongst dangerous drivers, rather than focusing on punishment, fines or fees. This is part of our commitment to support and promote alternatives […]
Talking with Betty Smoot-Madison, Atlanta Department of Transportation, Mobility Director
Betty Smoot-Madison is an urban planner who has worked on community planning and transit-oriented development in the Washington DC suburbs of Prince George’s County, MD, served as the ombudsman for automated enforcement in Baltimore, and is now a director for the Atlanta Department of Transportation. She is leading Atlanta’s work and commitment to Vision Zero […]