Chicago Joins Vision Zero Alliance to Address Traffic Fatalities

 Posted on December 00,0000 in Bicycle Safety

Recently, Chicago had the honor of being named the best bicycling city in the United States. The city takes the top spot thanks to Divvy, now the largest bike-share system in North America, along with the addition of 148 miles of protected bike lanes since 2011. The many bike paths and walking trails both within and outside of the city also contribute to Chicago’s reputation as a pedestrian-friendly, walkable urban garden. Unfortunately, with so many cyclists and pedestrians on the streets, pedestrian and vehicle accident rates continue to be a source of tragedy.

Walking and Biking in the City Still a Dangerous Proposition

So far this year, Chicago has seen the first bike-share program accident fatality in the nation, and at least five other cyclists have been killed in auto accidents. A recent report indicated that yet another cyclist, a student at Northwestern University, was killed in an accident with a cement truck, bringing that total even higher. One prominent University of Chicago doctor was killed in a collision with a car while jogging early this summer.

Despite Chicago’s aspirations to be one of the most beautiful and safe places to walk, jog, and bicycle, recent data shows that pedestrian deaths increased 24 percent from 2014 to 2015. Bicycle accidents resulting in injury have also increased 27 percent from 1,236 in 2005 to 1,566 in 2010. The Illinois Department of Transportation estimates that bicyclists account for seven percent of traffic fatalities, and pedestrians make up a whopping 34 percent of traffic fatalities. While the addition of protected bike lanes has begun to make the city safer for commuters, Chicago has also teamed up with Vision Zero as one of 10 focus cities to ensure that all pedestrians, bikers, and motorists are safe on the road.

What Is Vision Zero?

Vision Zero is an international traffic safety movement with a comprehensive strategy aimed at reducing all traffic fatalities, particularly in pedestrian and bicycling accidents because those on foot or bike are much more likely to suffer serious injuries if involved in a crash. Other major cities like New York, San Francisco, and Seattle have also committed to Vision Zero and have published action plans to reduce and eventually eliminate traffic deaths.

Rob Burke, executive director of the Active Transportation Alliance, said that the real victims are being forgotten amid the policy debates over how to improve traffic safety. Teaming up with Vision Zero means that their stories will not be forgotten. The movement intends to eliminate all unnecessary injuries and deaths so that other families will not have to experience the tragic consequences of a preventable accident.

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) has announced a goal of reaching zero traffic fatalities in 2022. To reach that goal, the CDOT has begun implementing new strategies, including red light cameras, which have already shown promising signs of reducing crashes. The city will continue to work on new approaches until the fatality rate is zero, but it remains the responsibility of all pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists to ensure that they are following the rules of the road so that we can all safely enjoy the best bicycling, walking, and driving city in the world.

Involved in an Accident?

If you or a loved one has been in a pedestrian accident with a vehicle, it is imperative that you consult an experienced attorney to represent your rights. You may be entitled to monetary damages for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact the experienced Orland Park injury attorneys at Issa Law, LLC for help. We have represented injured parties in Illinois for decades, and we can provide the representation you need. Contact us to schedule your free case consultation today.

Sources:

http://abc7chicago.com/news/chicago-named-best-bike-city-in-us/1517814/

http://www.bicycling.com/culture/news/the-50-best-bike-cities-of-2016/slide/2

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-female-bicyclist-critically-injured-in-traffic-crash-on-northwest-side-20160701-story.html

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2016/07/20/university-of-chicago-doctor-killed-by-car-while-jogging/

http://chi.streetsblog.org/2016/02/04/chicago-joins-vision-zero-network-while-pedestrian-fatality-rate-is-in-flux/