Vision Zero Street Labs
In August 2020, I wrote a post about a motion I made to allow for the quick implementation of low-cost adaptable traffic calming measures. We hear from many communities where things like traffic speed is an issue, where people don’t feel safe crossing the road and while we are doing a citywide change on our local speed limits there are still problem areas that Edmontonians would like to see addressed. For instance in Ward 1, there are larger issues around this in Secord, Rosenthal, Parkview, West Meadowlark, Crestwood and I know these aren't the only neighbourhoods with concerns. What we would like to do is use these low-cost solutions to calm traffic down. An example in Calgary, they use essentially a curb to narrow the roads in certain areas a little to make sure that traffic slows down.
For example, when 182nd Street between 87th Avenue and 95th Avenue (Belmead) was rebuilt, curb extensions were added to narrow down the road to slow traffic. I would like to be able to use tools like that across the city without having to wait for the full road reconstruction. Traffic safety work is funded independently of our property taxes. Traffic safety is funded out of our automated enforcement reserve (ex: photo radar fines).
This is where the Vision Zero Street Labs initiative comes in. The street labs are an exciting opportunity for communities to give feedback to better shape the community around traffic safety. It could be something as simple as adding flex posts or curb extensions or even the creative use of paint to bring attention to a crosswalk. Creative ideas such as pop-up community gardens on the sides of the streets could also be used to slow down traffic and create a space that is meant for everyone.
To start, a team of neighbours must be created to start discussing issues around liveability and traffic safety within their neighbourhood. The City of Edmonton will be there every step of the way to help with discussions and collaborate to create your Vision Zero Street Lab plan.
How will the City of Edmonton support project teams?
Set teams up for success with a program orientation and resources and support throughout the project.
Attend events and meetings to understand perspectives and lived experiences.
Share ideas and best practices, engineering expertise, and lessons learned.
Provide a toolkit of temporary traffic calming tools to consider for inclusion in the project plan.
Collaborate to develop the approved project plan and coordinate internal support required to implement.
What we do with our adjacent Safe Mobility Strategy is going to be very critical. To place traffic safety at the centre of discussions about future growth and sustainability, build a healthy community, and ensure continued economic prosperity, Edmonton must integrate its Safe Mobility Strategy and the vision and goals of ConnectEdmonton. Zero traffic deaths and serious injuries cannot be achieved through traditional engineering, education, and enforcement efforts alone. Through the Safe Mobility Strategy, the City can foster new working relationships between departments, adjust operating procedures, coordinate with the external partners, continue to build the trust of the travelling public and residents, and reinforce its bold vision with robust, cross-cutting new policies and actions that are essential not only to achieve Vision Zero, but also to create a vibrant and dynamic place where people can live, work, and thrive.
The Vision Zero Street Labs initiative will start this year and I recommend that Edmontonians start talking to their neighbours, family, and community about what needs to be changed in your neighbourhood to make it safer, quieter, and calmer for everyone.
