Vision Zero

Vision Zero is a forward thinking plan that imagines no serious injuries or deaths on the road. This multi-national road safety effort is based thoroughly in ethics, changing the idea that drivers hold sole responsibility to what happens on the roads. This idea is challenged by saying that the responsibility is shared between the drivers and the transportation system designers. Advocates for Vision Zero say that, "Life and health can never be exchanged for other benefits within the society." They are saying that there can be no monetary value placed on life and health that will potentially limit the amount of funds put into road construction.

If I were appointed by the mayor of Harrisonburg to take on the challenge of implementing Vision Zero here, I would make sure to address motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians equally. My first statement to the press would be something like, "We as a city and as a community need to work together, regardless of our preferred means of transportation, in order to follow the guidelines of Vision Zero and eliminate all deaths and injuries on our roads."

During my first year in the office appointed by the mayor, I would strive to accomplish a few things that I believe are the most important aspects of road safety for both vehicles and pedestrians. These changes would include establishing bike lanes on all roads so that cyclists have safe places to ride that are out of traffic and out of the way of pedestrians. I would also make sure to improve sidewalks and crosswalks in order to make sure pedestrians had a safe place to walk throughout Harrisonburg. Finally, during my first year I would hope to accomplish a reduced speed limit for vehicles in all areas where pedestrian and cyclist activity is high.

Given more time, such as three years in office, I would hope to accomplish the implantation of Advisory Bike Lanes throughout Harrisonburg. These bike lanes would result in a permanent change that would encourage safety for all those on the road.