What can we achieve in 2026?
Happy New Year, Vision Zero partners! If you are interested in committing to traffic safety for you, your family, and your neighbors this year, there is still time to plan your traffic safety goals for 2026. Read on to learn about the 2026 Vision Zero Ambassadors program, the 2026 Indego Community Ambassadors program, and the 2026 Vision Zero PHL Conference. Now is the time to commit to safer streets in 2026!
Last Call for Vision Zero Ambassadors 2026
We are looking for outgoing and motivated people to become Vision Zero Ambassadors this spring and summer. Help spread the word about Vision Zero and traffic safety among your friends, neighbors, and groups you are part of. Vision Zero Ambassadors are the voice of their community around traffic safety issues. Vision Zero Ambassadors work with their fellow ambassadors to share with their communities.
Ambassadors will be trained on traffic safety concepts, Vision Zero, and the resources that are available within the City. They will receive support and guidance from City staff during the ambassador engagement period (March-August 2026). During that time, ambassadors are expected to complete a minimum of eight engagement events. These events can range from tabling, content creation, and much more. We love to see Vision Zero engagement that utilizes your unique skill set and what you bring to the table!
Vision Zero Ambassadors receive a stipend of $1,750 upon reported completion of the program. People who are well-connected to lower-income communities and communities of color are encouraged to apply!
Applications are due by the end of the day on Sunday, February 1. Applicants must be 18 years old or older. For questions about the program, contact Virginia Lynn at otis@phila.gov or 215-686-5552.
Vision Zero PHL Conference 2026
The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia has announced the annual Vision Zero PHL Conference 2026. This year’s theme is Putting Community First: Revolutionizing Street Safety. The day-long conference will be held at Temple University on Thursday, March 12, 2026, 9am-3pm.
The conference brings together industry and community leaders in the areas of public health, engineering, and urban planning. Over the course of two plenary sessions and six break-out sessions, speakers and attendees exchange ideas, discuss innovative policies, and present projects that address the changing societal landscape as our city seeks to eliminate traffic fatalities.
To help encourage equitable access for everyone who wants to join the conversation about improving street safety, ticket pricing is offered on a sliding scale. General Admission is the base cost for the event, while Student/Community Member pricing is for those with a tighter budget. Pay-It-Forward helps to cover others attending the conference. The presenting sponsor this year is the Philadelphia Parking Authority.
Be an Indego Community Ambassador in 2026
The City of Philadelphia’s Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems (OTIS), in partnership with Indego, is currently seeking passionate individuals and community organizations to join as Community Ambassadors. This initiative serves as a powerful bridge, connecting diverse communities in Philadelphia to the benefits of bike share.
Indego Community Ambassadors collaborate with Indego to offer residents valuable bike safety education resources. This role involves:
- Helping individuals recognize safe riding spaces within their community
- Inspiring and encouraging others to use Indego
- Signing folks up for group rides, which will be led by Bicycle Coalition staff
- Tabling to share information on how to sign up for an Indego pass and the various pass options
We are looking for non-profit community organizations with current 501(c)3 status that hold leadership roles in their community and have strong ties in neighborhoods within the Indego service area. Individuals with strong community relationships may also be considered for the Ambassador Program. Ambassadors will need to dedicate at least 6-10 hours per month from March to October. We will prioritize organizations and individuals who have strong ties to Wynnefield, Cobbs Creek, Port Richmond, Kingsessing, and Parkside. Each ambassador will receive a financial stipend of $3,000 with the opportunity to apply for up to $500.00 in additional grant support. Ambassadors also receive a free Indego pass for the duration of the season and the opportunity to help grow and shape the Indego bike share program!
Click the button below to apply. The deadline to apply is February 12, 2026. You can also contact Stephanie Ridgeway, Community Engagement Coordinator, at Stephanie.Ridgeway@phila.gov directly with any questions you may have about this opportunity.
Check out the new Safe Routes Philly EcoSchool Action Cards. EcoSchools support the School District’s GreenFutures program. Click here to learn more and create an account as a school staff member, student, or volunteer.
Partner Updates
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)
Visit the CHOP Injury Prevention Program display on the show floor at the 2026 Philadelphia Auto Show, January 30 to February 8. We will highlight the mobile safety van, exhibit car seats, provide expertise on a variety of safety topics, distribute cable locks & naloxone, and sell a limited amount of safety products. If you are attending the Auto Show, stop by and say hello! Our display is located on the main show floor, in E Hall.
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
PennDOT reminds everyone about the importance of buckling up. PA’s seatbelt use rate increased in 2025. For more information on seat belt safety in PA, visit PennDOT.pa.gov/Safety.
Vision Zero in the News
Philadelphia 
Philadelphia’s streets are still treacherous for pedestrians, but signs point to progress (Philadelphia Inquirer)
Serious crime on SEPTA fell in 2025, transit agency says (6abc)
Drivers who run red light at Kelly Drive and Eakins Oval in Philadelphia can now get $100 tickets (CBS News Philadelphia)
Police searching for red Jeep connected to crash that killed longtime Philly DJ (NBC 10 Philadelphia)
Police searching for driver after hit-and-run injures two people on motorcycle (NBC 10 Philadelphia)
Southwest Philly crash damages business, home on Christmas Eve (Fox 29 Philadelphia)
The street of the future isn’t just for cars — it’s designed for life (Philadelphia Inquirer)
UCD Transportation Workshop Report 2025 (University City District)
What We’re Reading 
State report urges caution as lawmakers consider expanding speed cameras across Pa. (Lehigh Valley News)
Pedestrian Safety Impacts of Dedicated Right-Turn Lanes (Crossroads)
Improving Health Through Transportation Policy (US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Vision Zero Jobs
School Crossing Guard (B), Streets Department
Bicycle Coalition Educator, Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia (BCGP)
Swing Bridge Ambassador, Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia (BCGP)
Student Internship (Summer), Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems
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 updates for next month’s newsletter by Friday, February 6 to Virginia Lynn at virginia.lynn@phila.gov.