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Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh is urging the Common Council to approve the Vision Zero Action Plan, which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries in the city. The plan focuses on improving safety for both drivers and pedestrians by implementing measures such as enhanced lighting, better crosswalk visibility, street lane reductions, and radar speed warning signs.
From 2019 to 2023, Syracuse experienced 563 fatal or serious injury crashes, highlighting the need for action. The Vision Zero plan targets specific intersections and roads where a disproportionate number of these incidents occurred. These areas represent only a small percentage of the city's total intersections and roadways but account for a significant portion of the crashes.
According to Syracuse.com, the plan includes measures already implemented in some areas, such as speed cushions, dedicated bicycle lanes, and automated enforcement in school zones. The goal is to have no fatal or serious injury crashes by 2055, with a 35% reduction by 2035.
The Vision Zero initiative, first announced by Mayor Walsh in January 2023, emphasizes safety, health, and equitable mobility. It involves a comprehensive strategy that includes data analysis, community feedback, and proactive safety investments. The city has held public meetings and conducted surveys to gather input from residents, ensuring the plan reflects their needs and priorities.
Mayor Walsh stressed the importance of public engagement, saying, "We want to hear from everyone—whether you walk, bike, drive, or take transit—because safety is a shared responsibility." The Common Council plans to discuss the plan in a Public Works Committee meeting, with a vote potentially happening by July 28.