Introduction of the Vision Zero Act of 2021

Floor Speech

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Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker, today I introduced the Vision Zero Act of 2021. This legislation passed the House last session in Section 1601 of the Moving Forward Act (H.R. 2, 116th Cong.) and would make the development and implementation of Vision Zero plans eligible for federal funding through the Surface Transportation Block Grant program and the Highway Safety Improvement Program.

Traffic fatalities in the United States claimed more than 36,000 lives in 2019, equivalent to one death every 14 minutes. Traffic fatalities are especially common for the most vulnerable road users: pedestrians, cyclists, older Americans, and children. Pedestrian and cyclist deaths also make up a disproportionate and growing share of traffic fatalities. In the past decade, annual fatalities for motor vehicles have stayed largely stagnant while pedestrian and cyclist deaths have increased by 52 percent and 36 percent, respectively. We need a new approach. These are our friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues. The only acceptable number of traffic fatalities is zero.

The goal of Vision Zero is the elimination of all transportation- related fatalities and serious injuries. In more than 40 urban, rural, and suburban communities across the country, residents, activists, and elected officials have come together to adopt and implement Vision Zero plans. These plans improve safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, transit users, motorists, and vehicle passengers. Vision Zero is an innovative, multifaceted approach to improve transportation safety by using data, new partnerships, safe planning, and community-focused solutions to achieve zero traffic fatalities.

While communities are integrating their Vision Zero plans into transportation policy, the federal government has not supported the design or implementation of Vision Zero plans. The Vision Zero Act of 2021 integrates Vision Zero into federal transportation policy to prioritize safety, equity, and proper planning.

Enacting the Vision Zero Act of 2021 will help communities of all sizes develop and implement innovative, effective methods to make our streets safer for everyone. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senate to enact this legislation into law as part of a surface transportation reauthorization bill.

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