Supervisor Preston calls for renewed Vision Zero effort; task force to resume regular meetings

Supervisor Dean Preston introduced a resolution on Feb. 28 calling for a renewed, citywide Recommitment to Vision Zero and for the Vision Zero task force to resume regular meetings and coordinate urgent measures to reduce traffic fatalities.

Preston cited recent data showing 37 traffic fatalities in 2022 — “one of the most deadly years since Vision Zero was passed in 2014” — and noted six traffic fatalities in the first two months of 2023. He urged the board to back faster deployment of quick-build street improvements and targeted speed reductions on the High Injury Network, with a particular focus on neighborhoods with multiple high-injury corridors.

Why it matters

Preston said the task force has met sporadically since 2018 and that monthly meetings — similar to New York City’s cadence — would provide accountability and faster action. “We need the Vision Zero task force to meet regularly, at least monthly, to promote accountability, coordination, and action,” Preston said.

Public comment and support

Speakers from Walk San Francisco and neighborhood advocates spoke in favor of urgent action during general public comment. Eric Kingsbury, a District 2 resident, thanked Preston for the resolution and urged supervisors to co-sponsor and prioritize implementation in their districts.

Next steps

The introduction places the resolution on the board’s calendar; supervisors and advocates said they expect follow-up committee hearings and action to prioritize funding and staff coordination for quick-build projects on corridors identified as high injury.

Ending

Advocates urged supervisors to co-sponsor the resolution and to treat Vision Zero as an urgent, citywide priority in the coming budget and project rollout decisions.