Columbus’ ambitious transportation strategy, which includes a goal to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries on city streets, has started to take shape.
Columbus officials announced the framework of Vision Zero in March of last year. Although COVID-19 altered the timeline, the commitment to pursue that goal with a holistic, data-driven approach remains.
The city found that almost 40 percent of all traffic deaths in Columbus occur in areas with populations that have a higher density of seven equity indicators: people of color, low-income households, residents with disabilities, low English proficiency, children, elderly adults, and poor vehicle access.
Traffic fatalities on Columbus streets have increased each year since 2015, with 54 deaths in 2019 the most recent year available. The data identified a dangerous street as one having no street lighting, fast moving traffic, long distance between signals, unprotected crossings, and a lack of separate bike lanes.
Livingston Avenue represents one example. The cities of Columbus and Bexley are partnering to identify engineering, safety and streetscape improvements designed to slow traffic speed and support multi-modal travel along Livingston between Nelson and James roads.
Speed and distracted driving are also the most common driver mistakes. Results from a survey available to residents after the Vision One announcement included:
87 percent stating they used a handheld device while driving, walking or biking.
62 percent admitting to driving above the posted speed limit.
33 percent feeling less safe driving, walking, biking, or riding a motorcycle now that they did five years ago.
So while the city and its partners will consider visible safety adjustments changes along with changing speed limits in some areas, part of the effort focuses on spreading the message of Vision Zero.
A virtual public hearing on the strategy takes place Thursday at 5 p.m. on the city’s YouTube and Facebook pages. Here's a link to the plan.
