In the face of a tragic traffic incident that claimed the life of an elderly pedestrian, the city leaders of Hoboken, New Jersey decided to take action. Their mission? To eliminate traffic fatalities altogether. Since adopting this ambitious goal in 2017, not a single life has been lost to traffic incidents in the city – a monumental achievement that has earned Hoboken recognition as a national model for roadway safety.
Ravi Bhalla, the city’s mayor, was deeply moved by the 2015 incident that spurred the city’s commitment to traffic safety. He attended the wake of the 89-year-old victim, Agnes Accera, and found himself inspired to ensure such a tragedy never occurred again in his city. “Our seniors, who we owe the greatest duty of safety to, should be able to pass that street as safely as possible. For her to actually be killed was a trigger that we needed to take action,” said Bhalla.
Adopting the Vision Zero Concept
Under Bhalla’s leadership, Hoboken fully embraced the Vision Zero guidelines in 2018. This set of guidelines, which originated in Sweden over 25 years ago, is aimed at eliminating traffic deaths. Major cities across the U.S – including New York, San Francisco, and Portland – have integrated aspects of the Vision Zero program into their safety plans. A key component of these plans is the practice of “daylighting” – the removal of parking spaces near intersections to improve visibility.
While other cities have found success in implementing elements of the Vision Zero program, Hoboken’s entire approach is noteworthy. The city’s steadfast commitment to the program has proven that the goal of zero traffic deaths is more than just aspirational – it’s achievable.
Daylighting: A Key to Success
While the city’s traffic safety plan includes various measures such as lower speed limits and staggered traffic lights, daylighting is often credited as one of the biggest contributors to its success. Ryan Sharp, Hoboken’s transportation director, said, “There really isn’t a silver bullet or any magic, innovative thing where we’ve cracked a code. Our approach has been more about focusing on the fundamentals.”
The city’s approach to daylighting goes beyond just removal of parking spaces. When roads need to be repaved, the city takes the additional step of widening curbs and shortening crosswalks to improve pedestrian safety. These new structures are often equipped with bike racks, benches, and even rain garden planters that help absorb stormwater runoff.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite its success, Hoboken’s approach has not been without criticism. The removal of parking spaces in a city already short on parking has been a point of contention. Joe Picolli, a local business owner, has voiced concerns about the impact on downtown businesses. “Before the bumpouts, there were a lot more buses, a lot more cars, a lot more parking,” said Picolli. “It’s good as far as people walking on the street, but it’s bad because you’re not getting the flow from other towns.”
Despite these criticisms, the city remains committed to its traffic safety initiatives. As other cities across the country look to improve their own traffic safety, they might do well to look to Hoboken as a model. With its success in achieving zero traffic fatalities, Hoboken has proven that it’s possible to prioritize pedestrian safety without sacrificing the vibrancy of city life.
For more information on traffic safety initiatives and the Vision Zero program, visit the Vision Zero Network.
