INDIANAPOLIS -- The Indianapolis City-County Council recently passed the "Vision Zero" proposal, an initiative that aims to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries in the city of Indianapolis by 2035.
Members of the city-county council introduced the proposal last month after the city has seen an increase of traffic fatalities and traffic-related injuries over the last four years. Similar proposals have been passed in cities including Columbus, Ohio, Denver and Hoboken, New Jersey.
"As coauthors of the Vision Zero proposal, we are excited with its successful passage by our colleagues on the Council,” Councilor John Barth and Councilor Andy Nielsen said in a joint statement after Monday's meeting. “This landmark ordinance marks a significant step toward our goal of eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries on our streets. By prioritizing the safety of all road users—pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike—we are making a strong commitment to a safer, more livable Indianapolis. We are grateful for the support of our colleagues and the community in advancing this critical initiative."
According to previous reports, the proposal focuses on increasing safe, healthy and equitable mobility for Indianapolis residents, and helps build on existing efforts to address the pedestrian safety issues in the city. A 15-member task force is expected to be established to oversee the development and implementation of a "Vision Zero" action plan.
“By working together with community members and other stakeholders we can ensure a safer transportation network for all users of our City’s infrastructure,” Brandon Herget, the director of the city of Indianapolis' department of public works, said in the release. “Passage of (the) Vision Zero ordinance reflects our commitment to create safer streets for all users.”