Vision Zero, a multi-national strategy aiming to achieve zero traffic collision-related fatalities and serious injuries, was a central theme at Pro Walk Pro Bike Pro Place in Vancouver and NACTO’s Designing Cities in Seattle. In 2015, 7.2% more traffic collision-related fatalities occurred than in 2014 in the United States. As a result, there is a growing sense of urgency to reduce traffic-related fatalities and injuries.

Improving road infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians is important to achieving Vision Zero targets. Analysing cyclist behavior and infrastructure usage data can help determine which improvements are needed and where.

Funding opportunities in the U.S. are available to support bike and pedestrian planning, including funds for data collection and counting equipment. Visit the FHWA website for more information.

How Do Pedestrian and Cyclist Counts Contribute to Achieving Vision Zero?

Citizens for Safe Cycling in Ottawa used count data in its annual report to help argue that additional infrastructure is needed to make cyclists feel safe. Count data can be used to support Vision Zero strategy in many ways, including:

• Making the case for policy changes by combining trends in cycling use and behavior with economic, health and public opinion data.
• Assessing pedestrians and cyclists’ exposure to collision risk.
• Supporting advocacy for additional infrastructure.

U.S. Agencies: FHWA Funds Can Grow Your Count Program

Counting pedestrians and cyclists to support safety efforts is becoming a best practice. At Pro Walk Pro Bike Pro Place, the USDOT Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) highlighted funding opportunities for pedestrian and cycling projects, including data collection and counting equipment. Several funding sources were identified that target safety, transportation alternatives, bicycle and transit integration, access to federal lands and more. Read more here.

Deadline Extended to October 28^th: Apply for Adopt-a-PYRO Free Trial                                                                                                                                   

Do you have a short-term counting project in mind, but require funding to start it? Share your idea with us to be considered for a free 2 – 4 week trial of one PYRO Box. We will select the most interesting and well-suited project(s).

Share your idea with us!

Photo credit: joto25
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