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ROC Vision Zero

A graphic web banner or ROC Vision Zero.

Vision Zero is a strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries while promoting safe, healthy, and equitable mobility for all.   

Vision Zero differs from other approaches in two key aspects:  

  • Acknowledging that human error is inevitable, Vision Zero advocates for road system designs and policies that minimize the chances of such errors leading to severe outcomes. This entails improving roadway environments, implementing speed management policies, and enhancing related systems to reduce crash severity. 
  • Vision Zero takes a multidisciplinary approach, involving various stakeholders to tackle this complex issue. It addresses multiple factors influencing safe mobility, such as roadway design, speeds, behaviors, technology, and policies.  

Zero traffic-related fatalities and severe injuries is an ambitious goal. But it is one that we are determined to pursue through a targeted approach focused on design, promotion, accountability and evaluation.  

But, the most important part of the plan is you.   

Let’s work together to achieve our goal to create a safer, more sustainable Rochester. No matter how you get around, you are a critical part of the success of ROC Vision Zero. 

News Release: Rochester to become a Vision Zero City to improve roadway safety

ROC VISION ZERO PRIORITY ACTIONS:  

  1. ROC Vision Zero Task Force: Create a diverse committee of City departments and external stakeholders to advise work on street design, traffic safety, and potential funding opportunities.
  1. Traffic Safety Champions: Create an inclusive education and communication strategy for drivers using state and national resources. The plan will emphasize the preventability of traffic incidents and partner with local organizations for education efforts.
  1. Safe Speed City Initiative - Implementing 25 MPH: Lower speeds to reduce instances of serious and fatal crashes.
  1.  Pedestrian Priority Zones - Targeted Enhancement Initiative: Work with both county and state partners to lower speed in critical areas across Rochester to help reduce instances of serious and fatal crashes.
  1. Safe Crossings City Initiative - Enhancing Marked Crosswalks: Planning costs for this are part of the Safe Streets & Roads 4 All initiative. Work will be done to establish spacing standards for signalized and non-signalized intersections, bus stops, and side streets with raised crossings utilized whenever able. 
  1. Bicycle Spine Network: Continue work establishing a 63-mile inclusive bicycle network, with 19 miles already in place, predominantly along the Genesee Riverway Trail.  
  1. Winter Safe Streets - Enhanced Snow & Ice Removal Initiative:  Focus efforts to enhance sidewalk and bus shelter snow removal. Reinforce resident and property owner snow removal regulations and engage contractors and volunteers for city-owned properties. Assess options for snow removal on bicycle lanes, trails and cycle tracks.
  1. Automated Traffic Enforcement: Review options related to automating speed reduction tactics.  Lower speeds reduce serious crashes and save lives.  
  1. Lake Avenue Enhanced - Advancing Multi-Modal Safety: Review funding sources and seek community input on implementing a center-median Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor from the Inner Loop to north of West Ridge Road/NYS Route 104.  This initiative would reduce fatalities and injuries, improve public transportation options with enhanced pedestrian, and bicycle facilities.
  2.  ROC Vision Zero Report: Issue a comprehensive report featuring key outcome-based metrics including ongoing work by partners and the City within 6 months from the start of this effort.