2025-21 Adoption of the Vision Zero: Safe Streets for All Plan and Continuous Evaluation Plan

THE CITY OF NEWPORT

RESOLUTION

OF THE
COUNCIL
No. 2025-21

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WHEREAS: the life and health of all persons living and traveling within the City of Newport is our utmost priority, and no one should die or be seriously injured while traveling on local streets and roadways; and

WHEREAS: the Center for Disease Control cites traffic crashes as among the leading cause of deaths in the United States; and

WHEREAS: information provided by the Vision Zero Network, states that children, older adults, people of color, people with disabilities, people who are unhoused, and people with low income face a significantly disproportionate risk of traffic injuries and fatalities; and

WHEREAS: Vision Zero is a holistic strategy aimed at eliminating all traffic fatalities and severe injuries suffered by all road users while increasing safe, healthy, and equitable mobility; and

WHEREAS: streets and transportation systems have traditionally been designed to prioritize the efficient movement of motor vehicles, and Vision Zero supports a paradigm shift by designing streets and transportation systems to move people of all ages and abilities safely, including pedestrians, bicyclists, public transit users, scooter riders, and motorcyclists, as well as drivers and passengers of motor vehicles; and

WHEREAS: Vision Zero recognizes that people will sometimes make mistakes, so the road system and related policies should be designed to ensure that those inevitable mistakes do not result in severe injuries or fatalities. Transportation planners, engineers, and policymakers are therefore expected to improve the roadway environment, policies, and other related systems to lessen the severity of crashes; and

WHEREAS: in addition to the “Green and Complete Streets Policy” adopted in June of 2021, the City of Newport has adopted “Keep Newport Moving”, Newport’s Transportation Master Plan in April of 2023, where Vision Zero was listed as a critical design and policy strategy to accomplish the goals listed within “Keep Newport Moving,” and

WHEREAS: making streets safer for all people using all modes of transportation will encourage people to travel on foot, by bicycle, and by public transit, which supports a healthier, more active lifestyle and reduces environmental pollution; and

WHEREAS: improvements to transportation conditions also reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, therefore

RESOLUTION

OF THE
COUNCIL
No. 2025-21

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WHEREAS: the State of Rhode Island has committed to the development of and adoption of an updated Complete Streets Plan and Design Guidelines by 2025, which establishes a statewide and municipal Complete Streets policy and prioritization method to inform project selection and delivery; and

WHEREAS: a complete Vision Zero Safety Action Plan includes a leadership commitment to the eventual goal of zero roadway fatalities and serious injuries that includes either setting a target date to reach zero or setting one or more targets to achieve significant declines in roadway fatalities and serious injuries by a specific date; and

WHEREAS: Vision Zero resolutions have been adopted by many jurisdictions across the United States; and

WHEREAS: for Vision Zero to be accepted, it must be thoughtfully integrated into municipal procedures and embraced by community stakeholders, City Boards & Commissions, City Staff - including police and emergency services, school communities, neighborhood organizations, community groups, and the public at large. NOW THEREFORE BE IT

RESOLVED: that the Council adopts, as follows:

The Vision Zero: Safe Streets for All goal of eliminating traffic deaths and series injuries on City Streets by 2034, and endorses Vision Zero as a comprehensive and holistic approach to achieving this goal; and

A commitment to establishing a continuous and evolving evaluation framework that includes regular analysis and tracking of the implementation progress of Keep Newport Moving and the supportive 2025 Safety Action Plan. This framework will involve the ongoing assessment and revision of strategies, actions and metrics to ensure progress toward the goal of eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2034.

IN COUNCIL
READ AND PASSED
FEBRUARY 12, 2025

Latra C. Swistak, CMC
City Clerk