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Council adopts Safe Streets for All action plan to pursue Vision Zero by 2040
Summary
After a presentation by a Toole Design consultant, River Falls adopted a Safe Streets for All safety action plan funded by a $200,000 planning grant; the plan identifies priority corridors, 21 policy/program recommendations, a toolbox of countermeasures, and near-term projects to reduce fatalities and serious injuries.
River Falls on May 12 adopted a Safe Streets for All safety action plan aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2040. The council approved a resolution to adopt the draft plan, which was prepared with a $200,000 federal planning grant, after a presentation by Mitch Kaufman of Toole Design.
Kaufman summarized more than a year of work and public engagement, saying the process included two open houses, three public surveys, an online mapping exercise and participation from more than 500 community members. The consultant highlighted three priorities: improving pedestrian connections, upgrading intersection and crossing safety, and enhancing child safety near schools. "The gist of this plan is a comprehensive strategy for eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries on River Falls streets by 2040," Kaufman told the council.
Data presented to the council showed 30 fatal and serious-injury crashes between 2014 and 2023 that resulted in 37 people dying or being seriously injured, plus 318 minor or possible injury crashes and 51 pedestrian and cyclist crashes. Kaufman described a prioritized network based on crash history, crash context, and public comment density; he said roughly 15–20% of the roadway network accounts for a disproportionate share of severe crashes and identified about eight near-term projects (many on Main Street) for potential grant funding and city capital work.
The plan includes 21 policy and program recommendations (staff integration, reporting and a safety culture), a toolbox of about 55 countermeasures, and recommended performance measures to track progress. Council members asked about education and grant prospects; Kaufman said safety campaigns and education are included in the recommendations and that adoption of the plan positions the city to pursue implementation grants, though he could not promise grant success.
A motion to approve the resolution adopting the Safe Streets for All action plan was made, seconded and carried on voice vote.
