Program Updates
Vision Zero Action Plan 2025-2030
The Vision Zero Action Plan 2025-2030 is set to be completed by October 31, 2025. Throughout the next year, we will be updating the action items that guide our efforts and that we use to measure progress. We need your support (yes, you!) to write a plan that keeps our Vision Zero actions focused on community priorities. We are looking for feedback on community needs and priorities through surveys as well as in-person roundtable sessions.
Please click below to stay included on Action Plan updates or to express interest in your organization participating in an Action Plan roundtable session.
Vision Zero Annual Report 2024
We are pleased to share the 2024 Vision Zero Annual Report. Below are some highlights and key figures. Please read the full report to see the progress we have made and the work we still need to do to achieve zero fatalities on our roadways. This report is part of the commitment by Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s executive order in March to eliminate all traffic deaths on Philadelphia streets.
Traffic Deaths in Philadelphia Remain Above Pre-Pandemic Levels
In 2020, fatal crashes in Philadelphia spiked. Before the pandemic, around 90 traffic deaths occurred each year. In 2020, there were 155. Traffic deaths fell in 2021, but not to pre-pandemic trends. In 2023, that trend continued with 123 fatalities.
The post-2020 increase in traffic deaths has most impacted vulnerable road users.
Vulnerable road users (VRUs) include people walking, biking, and rolling (using a device like a wheelchair). VRUs have always been disproportionately harmed by crashes. Of all crashes, few involve VRUs, but they are more likely to result in severe injury or death. Since 2020, VRUs accounted for the majority of fatalities in Philadelphia and for most of the increase in fatalities over pre-pandemic trends in 2023, despite being involved in fewer crashes overall.
Automated Speed Enforcement Works: Program Expands to Five New Corridors
The Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) cameras on Roosevelt Boulevard have saved over 50 lives since implementation in 2020 (an estimated one per month). They reduce excessive speeding, which causes fatal and serious injury crashes. The original bill authorized the cameras as a pilot program through 2023. Pennsylvania legislators, notably Representative Neilsen and Senator Langerholc, passed legislation to ensure the cameras did not turn off. House Bill 1284: Renewing and Expanding Automated Enforcement Programs allowed for permanent placement on Roosevelt Boulevard and expanded the program to up to five new corridors in Philadelphia. The law also authorized a five-year pilot program for automated speed enforcement in up to five designated school zones in Philadelphia. In June, Mayor Parker and Philadelphia City Council enacted a new ordinance permitting speed cameras on State Route 611 (Broad Street and a small segment of Old York Road), the first expansion corridor to be implemented.
Mayor Cherelle L. Parker Signs the No-Stopping in Bike Lanes bill
On Wednesday, December 4, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker signed the No-Stopping in Bike Lanes bill. The bill was co-sponsored by City Council President Kenyatta Johnson and Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.
“City Council and I hope and believe the No-Stopping in Bike Lanes legislation will improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists as Philadelphia’s diverse transportation system requires safer streets for all users.” – Mayor Cherelle L. Parker.
The No Stopping in Bike Lanes (Bill No. 240657) will reclassify over 35 miles of curbside lanes and all bike lanes to “No Stopping Anytime,” prohibiting stopping, standing, or parking in bicycle lanes while increasing the monetary penalties for these violations. The replacement of signage for Spruce and Pine Streets will start in Spring 2025 in conjunction with loading zone signage. Signage replacement will continue through 2025 for all other affected corridors.
City Accomplishments
The City of Philadelphia’s Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems (OTIS) was recently awarded $7.2 million through the FY24 Safe Streets for All (SS4A) program. This grant will be used to create a Pedestrian Safety and Sidewalk Improvement Plan and run a demonstration project at 40 schools to test traffic calming measures at sidewalks.
On September 24, 2024, the reconstructed Montgomery Avenue Bridge officially reopened, marking the completion of the City of Philadelphia’s first major project funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Mayor Parker was joined by federal partners, labor partners, and local officials, to officially reopen the bridge. The project replaced the prior structure and includes new curb and sidewalk, street lighting, and ADA curb ramps.
The Safe Routes Philly team, in partnership with Indego, visited high school classes to teach about Vision Zero’s mission and give tips for how to bike safely around the city. Practicing unlocking and docking the bikes has been a highlight of each session so far and the team is looking forward to more presentations in the new year. Thank you to students and staff at Girard College and the Community College of Philadelphia for their collaboration. To keep up with Safe Routes Philly, visit: www.phila.gov/programs/safe-routes-philly.
Upcoming Events
You’ll see us and our partners out in the community at the events listed below.
- December 14, 10am – Roosevelt Blvd Public Open House (Mayfair Community Center, 2990 St Vincent St)
- December 16, 6pm – Roosevelt Blvd Public Open House (Radisson Hotel Philadelphia Northeast, 2400 Old Lincoln Highway, Trevose, PA)
- December 18, 6pm – Roosevelt Blvd Public Open House (New Life Philly Church, 425 E Roosevelt Blvd)
- January 13, 1pm – DVRPC Regional Safety Task Force (RSTF) Quarterly Meeting (Virtual)
Partner Updates
Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia (BCGP)
Our annual critical mass bike ride and celebration in partnership with Wednesday Night Rides to tour the sights and lights of South Philly has been postponed to December 18. Join us! Visit here for more information.
Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC)
The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) is currently seeking new members to join the Public Participation Task Force (PPTF). The PPTF provides access to the transportation planning process, hosts a welcoming forum to discuss and learn about timely issues, assists the Commission in implementing public outreach strategies, and empowers residents to be a part of regional and community planning processes. In addition to sharing their thoughts on how the planning process can support their communities, members also receive a stipend for their participation. Applications for the 2025 cohort are due by December 16, 2024.
Indego
This December, the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Transportation, Infrastructure, and Sustainability, in partnership with Indego, will be recruiting passionate individuals to join the Indego Community Ambassadors program. Community Ambassadors receive a stipend for their time and play a vital role in connecting Philadelphia’s diverse communities to the benefits of bike share. Keep an eye out at rideindego.com for the application later this month.
PennDOT
As the busy holiday travel season gets underway, PennDOT and its partners want to highlight the importance of seat belt use and sober driving through Operation Safe Holiday. This safety initiative, which started on November 11, is anchored by the “Click It or Ticket” Thanksgiving enforcement campaign. The campaign aims to promote compliance with Pennsylvania’s seat belt laws, essential for reducing injuries and fatalities during this period that is known for high traffic volumes. These laws mandate that all passengers under 18 wear seat belts, as well as drivers and front-seat passengers. Children under two years old must also travel in a rear-facing car seat, while those under four must be secured in an approved child safety seat. Booster seats are required for children until their eighth birthday.
The campaign also addresses the risks of impaired driving. PennDOT and its partners emphasize that while alcohol is a common issue, other substances—including marijuana, prescription medications, and over-the-counter drugs—can also impair a driver’s judgment, coordination, and reaction times. Law enforcement will conduct sobriety checkpoints, roving patrols, and other traffic safety initiatives to tackle these dangers from November 20 through the New Year holiday. Before hitting the road this holiday season, make safety your top priority! Check traffic and winter road conditions at www.511PA.com to stay informed about potential delays and hazardous weather. Get real-time updates to help you plan your route, avoid disruptions, and ensure a smooth, safe trip for you and your loved ones.
Vision Zero in the News
Philadelphia 
- Families rally in Philly to honor victims of traffic deaths and demand legislative change (The Philadelphia Inquirer)
- Dozens gather at Carroll Park in Philadelphia to honor crash victims, push for safer streets (CBS News)
- Philly Parking Authority to install speeding cameras on Broad Street (The Temple News)
- Newly unveiled mural helps to protect Cedar Park pedestrians (BillyPenn at WHYY)
- Progress Update on the Spruce and Pine Streets Bike Lane Safety Upgrades Project (City of Philadelphia)
- Dozens of cyclists and pedestrians are killed each year in Philly − an injury epidemiologist explains how to better protect bike lanes, slow drivers down and reduce collisions (theconversation.com)
- Speed cameras may be added along Route 13 in Philadelphia (Philly Voice)
- Broad Street—not Roosevelt Boulevard—is Philly’s most dangerous roadway, says new report (The Philadelphia Inquirer)
What We’re Reading 
- Opinion: Why I’m Hopeful About Vision Zero, Even Post-Election (Streetsblog USA)
Join the Conversation
| Vision Zero aims to eliminate all traffic deaths and severe injuries on Philadelphia streets www.visionzerophl.com. Follow OTIS on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and help us share safety messages with your networks using the hashtag #VisionZeroPHL.Do you have events, accomplishments, or calls to action to share with the Vision Zero Task Force, subcommittees or the larger Vision Zero community? Send your next month’s updates by Friday, January 3 to Virginia Lynn at virginia.lynn@phila.gov. |