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Red Bank adopts Vision Zero policy to eliminate serious traffic injuries and deaths by 2050
Summary
The commission unanimously adopted a Vision Zero resolution aligning the city with the regional MPO target to reduce serious and fatal traffic crashes by 2050; commissioners said the policy will inform land-use and roadway design work.
The Red Bank Board of Commissioners adopted a Vision Zero policy intended to reduce serious injuries and fatal traffic crashes by 2050, aligning the city with the Chattanooga-Hamilton County-North Georgia Metropolitan Planning Organization's (MPO) Comprehensive Safety Action Plan (CSAP). Vice Mayor Holly Berry, who represents Red Bank on the MPO, and Director Slay described the policy as a shift in how transportation safety is prioritized.
Berry said Vision Zero recognizes that human error is inevitable and that the responsibility lies with policymakers, planners and designers to make the roadway network as safe as practicable. She and Director Slay said the policy focuses on lowering vehicle speeds, redesigning road segments, traffic calming, and prioritizing vulnerable users such as pedestrians and cyclists. Slay said Vision Zero is a policy initiative rather than a new regulation; staff will incorporate its concepts into the city’s upcoming land-use regulation overhaul.
Vice Mayor Berry moved adoption; Commissioner Terry Holmes seconded. The commission voted unanimously to adopt the resolution. Berry said the MPO adopted a Vision Zero policy in August and noted Red Bank would be among the first municipalities in the MPO region to adopt and implement the policy.
Commissioners and staff cautioned that implementing Vision Zero will be a multi-year effort requiring coordination with regional partners and departments; Slay said planning and design changes will be integrated into the city’s unified development code effort.
