Image of two people crossing the street in a crosswalk.

January 2025 Newsletter


Program Updates

2025-2030 Action Plan Development

We need your support (yes, you!)  to write a plan that keeps our Vision Zero actions focused on community priorities. The Vision Zero Action Plan 2025-2030 is being updated this year and is set to be completed by October 31, 2025. The Vision Zero team is updating the action items that guide our efforts and set our priorities. We are looking for your 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 a Vision Zero roundtable session. 


Cramp Elementary School Slow Zone

As we move into the new year, we want to recognize the completion of the Cramp Elementary Slow Zone! This is the fourth slow zone that the City has installed. Launched in 2018, the Neighborhood Slow Zone Program responds to Philadelphia residents’ concerns about speeding on neighborhood streets. It uses a co-creation model to bring traffic calming to entire zones of residential streets.

The Cramp Elementary Slow Zone slow zone includes:

  • A reduced 20 MPH speed limit
  • Speed humps
  • Concrete curb extensions
  • ADA curb ramps
  • New and refreshed crosswalk and roadway pavement markings
Before and after photos of slow zone safety improvements at a crosswalk.

Active Slow Zone Project Status

NameStatus
10th MemorialConstruction Planned in 2025
Overbrook Medical Education CenterConstruction Planned in 2025
West PassyunkDesign Complete
Fairhill Phase 2Design
Logan SchoolDesign
TiogaConcept Developed
North Philadelphia SchoolPlanning

To find more information on slow zones, including those in development and the four that have been constructed to date, visit: visionzerophl.com/slow-zone-program

To see where the slow zones are throughout the city, click the image below.

Map of neighborhood slow zones.

Lehigh Avenue Traffic Safety Project

Is your zip code 19133? We need your feedback!

The highest-rated design concept for Lehigh Ave., between American St. and Kensington Ave., includes many safety improvements and a bus lane! Please complete this survey to tell us what you think about the proposed safety improvements and the trade-offs between traffic and transit.

Lehigh Avenue project rendering.

Since the start of the 2024-2025 school year, over 50 Philadelphia crossing guards received Vision Zero and Safe Routes Philly training. This was made possible through the partnership between Safe Routes Philly and the School Crossing Guard Unit housed in the Streets Department.

Crossing guard Vision Zero and Safe Routes training.

Upcoming Events

You’ll see us and our partners out in the community at the events listed below.

  • January 15, 7pm – Fishtown Neighborhood Bikeways presentation at the Fishtown Neighborhood Association General Membership Meeting (Virtual & Fishtown Recreation Center, 1202 E Montgomery Ave)
  • January 23, 8am-11am—“Building Bridges: Infrastructure and Public Works Opportunities” Networking opportunities between historically underutilized businesses and industry leaders in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision for economic empowerment. Register: https://shorturl.at/maKzV (Laborers’ Training Center – Samuel Staten, Jr. Building, 1333 N Broad Street)

Partner Spotlight

We Walk PHL Info Sessions began on January 8, 2025.

We Walk PHL is a program in partnership between Fairmount Park Conservancy, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation that offers free weekly walking groups throughout the city in the spring and fall.

This free, fun program is for anyone interested in staying active, spending time in Philly parks, and connecting with neighbors. In preparation for 2025, we are hosting 30-min virtual drop-in info sessions open to anyone. Join us to learn more about We Walk PHL, where groups are walking, and how to get involved.

These sessions are meant for everyone! We will review key program requirements and values and share information for those who might be interested in learning more. We hope these will be useful in recruiting walk leaders, community participants, and outlining the goals/benefits.

Info session dates (virtual):

For more information visit:

We Walk PHL Info Sessions flyer

Partner Updates

Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia (BCGP)

The 2025 Vision Zero PHL Conference ticketing page is now live! Conference registration includes morning and afternoon plenary sessions, as well as breakout sessions and a luncheon speaker (catered lunch provided). We’re looking for those who are interested in supporting the coordinating of the conference as well as those who would like to help on the day-of of the event. Any parties interested in volunteering their time and learning more about large public health/transportation policy event planning should reach out to uma@bicyclecoalition.org.

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)

Our big event this month is the 2025 Philadelphia Auto Show. The Injury Prevention Program will staff a display during the entire 10-day event on the main show floor. The Auto Show runs from January 11 – 20, 2025 at the Philadelphia Convention Center. The display will highlight the mobile safety van, exhibit car seats, showcase a variety of bike and multisport helmets, provide expertise on an assortment of safety topics, deliver a Stop the Bleed demonstration, distribute firearm cable locks, and respond to questions from attendees. We will also sell safety products at cost, such as bike helmets and various baby proofing items. Stop by and see us!

Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC)

On Monday, January 13, 2025, from 1:00 – 3:00 pm, the DVRPC Regional Safety Task Force (RSTF) will be hosted an online meeting devoted to current Regional Vision Zero efforts. Guest presenters highlighted work from various stages of the planning process–from drafting to engagement and implementation. Plus, DVRPC unveiled the Regional High Injury Network.

Indego

Despite the cold weather, Spring is around the corner! We are in search of our 2025 Indego Community Ambassadors. The City of Philadelphia’s Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems (OTIS), in partnership with Indego, is currently seeking passionate individuals to join as Community Ambassadors. This initiative serves as a powerful bridge, connecting diverse communities in Philadelphia to the benefits of bike share. Ambassadors receive a financial stipend of $3,000. The application deadline is February 2, 2025. To find out more information and to apply visit: https://www.rideindego.com/blog/indego-community-ambassadors-2025/

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)

Preparation is essential for successfully navigating winter roads. Winter weather can bring unexpected conditions, so it’s important to ensure both you and your vehicle are equipped to handle ice and snow. Learn about safe winter driving practices and what you can expect from PennDOT during the winter by visiting our Winter Operations page.

Safe Routes Partnership

On Wednesday, January 15th from 1:00pm – 2:00pm, the Safe Routes Partnership is hosting a webinar entitled: “Kickstart Your 2025 Projects: How to Secure Federal Funding for Biking and Walking, and Safe Routes to School” Click here to learn more and register for the webinar.

Vision Zero in the News

Philadelphia

Overhaul of Market Street in Old City gets underway (BillyPenn)

Philly parents and students are joining a global movement to reimagine the school commute (grid)

Speed cameras are coming to Philadelphia’s Broad Street in 2025. Here’s where they’ll be. (CBS)

Philadelphia’s Vision Zero Annual Report and LAB’s Bicycle Friendly States Reports Highlights Progress (and Problems) in the Region (BCGP)

Philadelphia Launches Vision Zero Action Plan to Address Rising Traffic Fatalities (msn)

Northeast residents want fast transit and slower cars on Roosevelt Boulevard (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Feds grant nearly $50 million for Parkway, Schuylkill Trail, Rail Park projects (BillyPenn)

What We’re Reading

Crash prevention technology shows ‘huge potential,’ but the roadmap is up for debate (npr)

Burned-Out Parents Need Better Public Spaces (Bloomberg)

Taller vehicles are more dangerous to pedestrians, even at low speeds, research finds (npr)

New Jersey wants to eliminate traffic deaths in the state by 2040 (WHYY)

Vision Zero Jobs

Senior Transportation Planner/Senior Transportation Engineer, DVRPC

Public Participation Planner, DVRPC

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, and community? Send your next month’s updates by Friday, January 31 to Virginia Lynn at virginia.lynn@phila.gov.