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Vision Zero report: city reports fewer traffic deaths in 2024 but Council hears rising pedestrian and bicycle injuries
Summary
Public Works presented Vision Zero 2024 report showing a decline in traffic deaths in Minneapolis even as pedestrian and bicycle severe crashes rose; staff highlighted speeding as a primary factor and described safety projects, grant awards and a pilot for speed‑safety cameras.
City transportation staff presented the Vision Zero 2024 annual report to the Climate and Infrastructure Committee, saying the program saw a decline in traffic deaths last year but that pedestrian and bicycle severe crashes rose.
Ethan Folly, Vision Zero program coordinator, opened the presentation by stating the program’s mission: “Vision 0 is our goal to get to 0, traffic deaths and severe injuries on our streets.” He told the committee that while the city recorded a significant decrease in traffic deaths in 2024 — a contrast with statewide increases — pedestrian and bicycle crashes increased compared with 2023.
Folly emphasized speeding as a recurring factor: “In 2024, now we're at like 80 percent of our fatal crashes involve clear speeding,” he said, adding that most fatal crashes continue to occur on high‑injury streets and county or MnDOT routes rather than local neighborhood streets.
Staff highlighted completed and planned safety work: more than 250 intersections have received quick‑build safety improvements since 2021; capital projects in partnership with Hennepin County delivered safety upgrades in 2024; and the city applied for and was awarded a Safe Streets for All grant and is finalizing an agreement with the Federal Highway Administration. Folly also described a speed‑safety camera pilot: 51 candidate camera locations were identified, community feedback is underway and staff plan to select five initial locations for deployment this summer alongside procurement for implementation services.
Council members thanked staff for the report and raised questions on project timing and neighborhood traffic calming. Council Member Osman asked how long it takes from identifying a high‑risk street to delivering protections; Folly said nearly all of the roughly 20 miles of identified high‑injury streets are expected to see significant safety improvements within six years and that quick‑build treatments are used to shorten wait times.
Council members and staff noted the program’s equity focus: Folly said 60 percent of last year’s fatal crashes occurred within the city’s Transportation Equity Priority Areas. The committee took the presentation as received and filed.
