Council adopts Complete Streets and Speed Management plans as part of Vision Zero commitment

Rono City Council adopted updates to the Complete Streets policy and approved a Safety Action Plan and Speed Management Action Plan as part of the city’s City Plan 2040 on May 18.

City staff presented the plans as outcomes of a USDOT Safe Streets and Roads for All grant process. Staff told the council the technical analysis used 2019–2023 crash data and found an average of roughly 10 traffic fatalities and approximately 60 serious‑injury crashes per year in the city; the analysis also showed pedestrians and motorcyclists are over‑represented in serious crashes. The plans identify priority corridors and a toolkit of engineering, education, enforcement and policy strategies to reduce serious crashes.

Mr. Campbell told council that adoption of the Safety Action Plan, including the city’s commitment to work toward zero fatal and serious injury crashes by 2040, is also necessary for the city’s grant application. During public comment, Barbara Durk urged council to adopt the plans and encouraged residents to sign the vulnerable‑road user pledge.

Councilmembers praised staff outreach, noted that the plan positions the city to compete for federal grants and emphasized the health, walkability and economic benefits of safer streets. The ordinance and a following resolution authorizing city staff to execute necessary documents were adopted by roll call.

Council directed staff to post the adopted documents online and to use the plans to prioritize capital projects and grant strategies going forward.