Zeroing In on Safety: Delco Calls for Community Action in Vision Zero

Delaware County is making significant strides towards safer streets and improved accessibility with the launch of its Vision Zero Delco Action Plan. With funding provided by the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program, this ambitious initiative aims to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, underscoring the county's commitment to prioritizing safety for all road users, whether they walk, roll, or drive. Residents should be encouraged to complete the survey as part of the Vision Zero effort. As a bonus, participants will have the chance to win a $50 gift card.

The SS4A program, established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), allocated $5 billion over 5 years to support regional and local initiatives through grants aimed at preventing roadway deaths and serious injuries. Delaware County's Vision Zero Action Plan is a prime example of how these funds are being utilized to enhance roadway safety.

Vision Zero is not just a lofty ideal; it's a concrete strategy backed by data-driven approaches and community engagement. By gathering insights and perspectives from residents, the County’s Planning Department is ensuring that the action plan reflects the needs and priorities of the people it serves.

At the heart of the Vision Zero Delco Action Plan are several key components:

Data Analysis: The plan will analyze crash data to identify patterns, hotspots, and trends. By understanding where and why accidents occur, the county can target its efforts more effectively.

Community Engagement: The County recognizes that each community knows its local transportation challenges best. That's why citizens, called “safety ambassadors”, have been chosen to represent their neighborhoods and engage with fellow residents, gathering feedback and suggestions for improvement.

High Injury Network Identification: Through careful analysis, the plan will pinpoint areas with a high incidence of traffic injuries. These locations will receive special attention and resources to implement targeted safety measures.

Recommendations for Improvement: Based on the data analysis and community input, the Vision Zero Action Plan will recommend a range of strategies and projects aimed at improving safety and accessibility. From redesigning intersections to improving pedestrian infrastructure, these recommendations will form the blueprint for future initiatives.

The success of the Vision Zero Action Plan hinges on active participation from the community. Every voice matters in the effort to create safer streets and ensure equitable mobility for all residents. The County has identified Vision Zero Safety Ambassadors to help spread the word about this program. The two safety ambassadors for District 4, which consists of Haverford, Marple, Newtown, and Radnor Townships, are Linda McIsaac of Newtown Township and Dave Schwartz from Haverford.

Linda McIsaac, founder of Gather Community, a local nonprofit focusing on improving community connections, and a resident of Newtown Township, PA, stresses the significance of public participation: “The streets belong to everyone, and safety should be non-negotiable. That's why we rely on our community's assistance to pinpoint trouble spots and identify where improvements are most needed."

David Schwartz, a licensed transportation engineer and urban planner at Colliers Engineering & Design, and a resident of Haverford Township, PA, echoes this sentiment by highlighting the power of collective action: "The power to transform our streets is in your hands. Together, we can create a safer, more welcoming environment for all road users."

Help us build a safer future for Delco where everyone can travel with confidence and peace of mind!

For more information on the Vision Zero Delco Action Plan, visit https://www.delcopa.gov/planning/currentprojects/VisionZeroPlan.html