In March of 2015, Boston Mayor Martin Walsh announced that the City of Boston was joining cities and towns worldwide in adopting Vision Zero. Soon after, Mayor Walsh appointed a working Task Force comprised of representatives of several government agencies as well as local advocacy groups.
Several members of the Vision Zero Coalition participate on the City’s Task Force, and the Coalition works closely with the Boston Transportation Department, Boston City Council, and other city leaders.
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Progress
- The Citywide default speed limit was lowered to 25 MPH.
- With the introduction of the Neighborhood Slow Streets program, the City committed to reducing speeds on residential streets by changing the physical character of the streets with traffic calming devices.
- The City launched the "Boston’s Safest Driver," a mobile app that provides feedback on one’s driving behaviors and awards points for safe driving.
- The City released "High Crash Network and High Crash Intersections 2015-2017" data and maps.
- The number of fatal crashes has measurably decreased with 10 fatal crashes in 2019, down from 21 fatalities in 2016.
Challenges
More than four years after the City's initial commitment to Vision Zero, there are still clear gaps in the integration of Vision Zero across departments, and this is slowing down the City’s ability to act swiftly and efficiently on its Vision Zero goals.
Despite the additional funding and staffing resources provided to the Transportation Department in Fiscal Year 2019, increased cohesion within the Transportation and Public Works departments, as well as across all relevant departments, is needed for these resources to be used effectively.
What You Can Do
- Join the Massachusetts Vision Zero Coalition mailing list
- Join the City of Boston Vision Zero mailing list
- Add your safety concerns to the Vision Zero Safety Concerns Map
Learn More
- 2019 & 2020 Boston Vision Zero Progress Report (MA Vision Zero Coalition)
- 2018 Vision Zero Progress Report (MA Vision Zero Coalition)
- City of Boston Vision Zero website
- 2017/18 Vision Zero Update (City of Boston)