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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-021 Vision Zero Phase 1 AssessmentMarch 3, 2023 Report No. 2023-021 INFORMAL STAFF REPORT TO MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL SUBJECT: Completion of Vision Zero Phase 1 Assessment BACKGROUND: During 2019, City Council directed staff to move forward with developing a Vision Zero Plan. This direction was provided following receipt of an introductory presentation on December 3, 2019, to City Council regarding the Vision Zero roadway traffic safety initiative. The presentation was given by a representative from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Farm & City, a non-profit organization working to prevent and end traffic deaths in Texas. In the presentation, representatives described the concept of Vision Zero, national and state-wide efforts towards zero-fatalities, and proposed next steps for the City of Denton. A copy of the presentation is attached (see Attachment 1). The purpose of Vision Zero is to get to zero fatalities; no one should be killed or suffer lifelong injuries because of a roadway crash. Underlying Vison Zero is the Safe System Approach; to get to zero, transportation and safety professionals must work together to achieve intentional solutions for safer roads, safer road users, safer speeds, safer vehicles, and post-crash care. While Vision Zero efforts are primarily focused towards vehicle users, it does factor in all users of the roadway system such as pedestrians and bicyclists. On March 22, 2022, City Council adopted an update to the Mobility Plan for the City of Denton. The 2022 Mobility Plan includes goals, objectives and strategies related to the City’s transportation system, and more specifically, a goal to develop and implement a Vision Zero Plan. During the final stages of approval of the Mobility Plan, staff received strong and unanimous feedback from City Council in support of making safety the number one priority for the City. This direction further prioritized the development of a Vision Zero Plan for the City of Denton. Immediately following the approval of the Mobility Plan, staff began background research on the implementation of a Vision Zero Plan. Through this research, staff identified an emerging trend of rising roadway fatalities in cities with adopted Vision Zero plans. To better ensure that the efforts of the City of Denton are successful, staff moved forward with a three-phased approach to developing the Vision Zero Plan, which included a separate assessment of the City’s existing safety practices (Phase 1), development of a plan which includes action items and monitoring strategies (Phase 2), and implementation of the plan (Phase 3). The consultant team of Burgess & Niple and Fehr & Peers were selected to conduct the Phase 1 assessment, and the project phase kicked off on April 1, 2022. DISCUSSION: Staff is pleased to inform City Council that the Vision Zero Phase 1 assessment was completed at the end of January 2023. The assessment focused on evaluating the City’s safety practices across internal departments and partner agencies (i.e., TxDOT, UNT, TWU, Denton County, non-profit agencies, healthcare agencies and more) to identify opportunities for alignment with Vision Zero March 3, 2023 Report No. 2023-021 objectives. The information needed for this assessment was gathered from these stakeholders via a series of engagement activities, including a webinar, survey, workshops, and interviews with individual stakeholders. Note: On May 17, 2022, staff provided an update to City Council on this assessment and current safety initiatives already underway to support the city’s progress towards Vision Zero. (see Attachment 2). The consultant team compiled the feedback received from outreach efforts to benchmark the City’s current practices against the ten core elements of Vision Zero, which are built upon three pillars – Leadership and Commitment; Safe Roads and Safe Speed; and Data-Driven Approach, Transparency, and Accountability. The benchmarking process was used to determine opportunities, as well as strengths and challenges in getting closer to zero traffic fatalities. A final benchmarking matrix was created to summarize the results of this effort and associated action items (see Attachment 3). The benchmarking matrix identifies a prioritized list of next steps and action items that could be achieved based on their relative complexity, level of effort, and time needed to complete. Furthermore, the matrix is intended to assist with improving practices, policies, and procedures necessary for the successful implementation of Vision Zero. Lastly, the benchmarking matrix was converted into a more user-friendly summary for public consumption – communicating the results of the assessment and final outcomes – and is housed on a dedicated webpage on the City of Denton’s website. This summary and dedicated webpage are now available to the public at www.cityofdenton.com/visionzero. Next Steps The City’s next step towards achieving Vision Zero is to develop the Vision Zero Plan (Phase 2). Phase 2 will begin Summer 2023, with an anticipated completion date of early 2024. Phase 2 is intended to be completed by a qualified consultant selected through a Request for Qualifications. A contract for Council consideration will be placed on a future City Council agenda. ATTACHMENTS: 1. December 09, 2019 Work Session Presentation to City Council 2. May 17, 2022 Work Session Presentation to City Council 3. Vision Zero Benchmarking Summary with Actions STAFF CONTACT: Karina Maldonado, AICP Transportation Planner Development Services Karina.Maldonado@cityofdenton.com (940) 349-8176 REQUESTOR: N/A STAFF TIME TO COMPLETE REPORT: 4 hours PARTICIPATING DEPARTMENTS: Engineering/Capital Projects A Primer on Vision Zero Getting to Zero Roadway Fatalities Amelia (Millie) Hayes, P.E., RSP1 –FHWA Texas Division ID 19-2445 •What is Vision Zero? •Principles of Vision Zero. •Vision Zero Practices. •Further Resources. Agenda ID 19-2445 2 No loss of life acceptable. Traffic fatalities and injuries are preventable. People will make mistakes. What is Vision Zero? ID 19-2445 3 National Safety Council Road to Zero Coalition https://youtu.be/MNtcKUTVGDo What is Vision Zero? ID 19-2445 4 Texas has not had a day without a traffic death since November 7, 2000. Why do we need Vision Zero? Data: TxDOT CRIS annual reports and CRIS as of 8/9/2019 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 2000 2200 2400 2600 2800 3000 3200 3400 3600 3800 4000 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Texas and City of Denton traffic Fatalities Texas City of Denton ID 19-2445 5 •Austin, San Antonio, and Laredo have formally adopted Vision Zero. •Texas Strategic Highway Safety Plan: –Long Term aspirational goal of zero deaths. Texas Emphasis Areas: Texas and Vision Zero Source: https://www.TexasSHSP.com/ ID 19-2445 6 •Traffic deaths and severe injuries are preventable. •The protection of human life is the highest priority of the transportation system. •Human error is inevitable, and the transportation system should be forgiving. Principles of Vision Zero ID 19-2445 7 •Safe systems are more important than influencing behavior in reducing crashes. •A Comprehensive approach involving public health, law enforcement, education, infrastructure improvements, technology advancements, and more. Principles of Vision Zero ID 19-2445 8 Vision Zero Practices •Sustain leadership, collaboration, and accountability. •Be data driven. •Implement what works. •Prioritize Safety.Source: FHWA Strategic Highway Safety Plan Implementation Process Model ID 19-2445 9 •A champion for safety is the best way to ensure all safety partners work in a collaborative group. •Establish an organizational structure to formalize collaboration. •Develop action plans. •Evaluate progress and reassess goals Leadership, Collaboration, and Accountability ID 19-2445 10 •Use safety data to determine priorities: –Establish emphasis areas. •Develop actionable strategies: –Use evidenced based approaches on what works. •Use a safe systems approach: –Decreased focus on user behavior or individual locations. Be Data Driven ID 19-2445 11 •We know how to reduce severe crashes. •Target overall trends with proven countermeasures. •Be comprehensive: –Engineering and infrastructure. –Enforcement. –Education. Implement What Works ID 19-2445 12 What Works: Infrastructure •Roundabouts. •Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons. •Road Diets. Source: https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/provencountermeasures/ID 19-2445 13 •Incorporate safety into all actions: –Land Development and permitting. –Maintenance of streets. –Long range plans. –Street design policies and standards. •Prioritize funding for safety improvements. •Maintain a collaborative approach to safety. Prioritize Safety ID 19-2445 14 •Vision Zero Network –https://visionzeronetwork.org/ •Road to Zero Coalition –https://www.nsc.org/road-safety/get-involved/road-to-zero •FHWA Office of Safety –https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/ •Austin Vision Zero –http://www.austintexas.gov/visionzero •Texas Strategic Highway Safety Plan –https://www.texasshsp.com/ Further Resources ID 19-2445 15 Thank You Amelia (Millie) Hayes, P.E., RSP1 Safety & Operations Specialist FHWA –Texas Division amelia.hayes@dot.gov Source: FHWA ID 19-2445 16 FarmAndCity.org High quality urban and rural human habitat in Texas in perpetuity ID 19-2445 17 ID 19-2445 18 19ID 19-2445 19 20ID 19-2445 20 21 ID 19-2445 ID 19-2445 22 ID 19-2445 23 ID 19-2445 24 25ID 19-2445 25 From NACTO Urban Street Design Guide ID 19-2445 26 85th Percentile USLIMITS2 Reactive Speed Limits Design for Desired Speeds ID 19-2445 27 ID 19-2445 28 Implementation in Denton •Elected leaders establish a Vision Zero Goal and Commitment •Add to comprehensive plan •Create a Vision Zero Task Force led by the City with multiple departments and community interests engaged •Create a Traffic Fatality Review Board •Develop a Vision Zero Action Plan •Set a deadline when you adopt VZ •Create a Pedestrian and/or Bicycle Advisory Committee at the City •Create a Pedestrian and/or Bicycle Safety Action Plan as one of the first steps of the Vision Zero Action Plan •Does not need to be expensive. •FHWA may be able to provide TA •Find funding for countermeasures •Establish capability for data analysis and evidence based prioritization of countermeasures, interventions ID 19-2445 29 DaVision Zero Update1May 17, 2022Council Meeting1File ID: 22-679 •Citywide Speed Study•Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) –Received state funding to improve several intersections in the City•Corridor Signal Coordination and Retiming•Annual Transportation Criteria Manual and Standard Details Update25/17/2022File ID: 22-679Background - Ongoing Safety Efforts •Vision Zero Established as a Priority Safety goal in Mobility Plan•Phased Approach •Phase 1: Assessment•Phase 2: Vision Zero Plan•Phase 3: Vision Zero Plan - Implement & Monitor•Phase 1 Assessment•Initiated 2022 - Engaged a consultant •Stakeholder meeting held on May 9th(Over 30 members attended)35/17/2022File ID: 22-679Background – Vision Zero What is Vision Zero?4A multi-nationalroad traffic safety program that aims to achieve a roadway network with no fatalitiesor serious injuries involving road trafficInterdisciplinary, multilevel approach to address road safety5/17/2022File ID: 22-679 Why Vision Zero Assessment?5•Roadway deaths are rising, even in Vision Zero cities•Move away from business as usual•Re-think how to approach our safety practice to achieve reductions“If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got” –Henry Ford5/17/2022File ID: 22-679 •Collaborate with City staff, internal and external stakeholders to obtain a full picture about City’s safety practices:•How does the City align with the Vision Zero core elements•What safety opportunities/strengths exist that could be built upon to help move closer to zero•What challenges are preventing us from getting closer to zero and what are the ways to overcome thosePhase 1: Assessment (Currently underway)65/17/2022File ID: 22-679 Phase 2: Vision Zero Plan (Start early next year)7A vision zero plan is an in-depth actionplan that is centered around the Core Vision Zero Elements5/17/2022File ID: 22-679 File ID: 22-6795/17/20228Phase 2: Vision Zero Plan – Action Item ExamplesIncludes a list of action items to be implemented over time Next Steps9•Complete Phase 1: Assessment –Oct/Nov 2022•Phase 2: Vision Zero Plan•Initiate early 2023•Adoption 2024•Initiate Phase 3: Vision Zero Plan – Implementation and Monitoring5/17/2022File ID: 22-679 Questions?105/17/2022File ID: 22-679 Leadership and CommitmeBenchmarkActionsConsiderations/Comments for discussionComplexity / EffortNext StepsPotential Best Practice1. Identify funding in City budget to support development of 2023 Denton Vision Zero Plan CompleteLow - Council Already Approved Funding Draft RFQ and share with Council2. Develop a resolution/public statement committing the City Council to the upcoming Vision Zero plan and continued implementationGood but if not doable before plan starts then we make this yellow and make commitment part of the planLow - sample resolutions are available; resolution will likely require wordsmithing Draft resolution and engage stakeholders for review1. Provide quarterly updates to City Council on ongoing Vision Zero and related safety initiatives in the City. Need to pre-plan to get on Council agenda at least quarterlyLow - Updates can be simple Prepare format of updates2. Develop one-pager highlighting Council approved/funded safety efforts over the previous two years to showcase successes.Need to pre-plan to get on Council agenda at least quarterlyLow - will require staff (or consultant team) to draft contentPrepare template and content1. Create a PPT summarizing the results of the Vision Zero Assessment and deliver to stakeholder group that were engaged throughout process. This is part of the Assessment scope for consultant team to developLow - materials for this have been developed throughout project Consultant team to develop final PPT, summarizing project resultsForthcoming2.Ask stakeholders engaged in the Vision Zero Assessment to share information about the project via social media (or other channels) once complete and in doing so, announce commitment to upcoming Vision Zero plan development. May not get every stakeholder to commit to thisLow - Draft one to two sentence announcementDraft social media post for stakeholders to copy and paste or customize and share through channelshttps://twitter.com/visionzeromcThe stakeholder group is representative of the community at large.1. Review stakeholder list developed for the Denton Vision Zero Assessment. Identify gaps in "representative" communities and reach out to associated groups for engagement in the 2023 Vision Zero plan. 2. Include elected official respresentation on stakeholder committee to encourage leadership buy-in.Vision Zero stakeholder engagement to date has focused on diverse technical skills and interests. Consideration should be given to including elected officials and aligning demographic characteristics of stakeholders with demographics of Denton.Moderate - Discussions of "representative" communities can be complex.Determine approach to forming/augmenting the current stakeholder group. Consider formalizing this group.https://www.somervillema.gov/news/city-somerville-seeks-members-vision-zero-working-groupAn interdepartmental safety working group regularly coordinates with leadership to discuss progress.1. Present the findings of the Vision Zero Assessment to the TSC and discuss opportunities to enhance collaboration/communication with other departments, committees and stakeholders/public.2. Include members of the Traffic Safety Commission in the development of the Vision Zero Plan. 3. Utilize the stakeholder group formed for the upcoming Vision Zero plan as the primary mechanism to integrate the conversations across the different safety-related committees and liase with the TSC.Broad interdepartmental representation was achieved in developing the Denton Vision Zeo Action Plan. Many of the participants have signficant commitments and may have time limitations for participation in regular meetings.Moderate - Discussions of appropriate balances between making Vision Zero a priority for all departments while acknowledging limitations in staff availability.Determine approach to formalizing an interdepartmental working group.https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Programs/Transportation/Vision-Zero/Vision-Zero-External-Stakeholder-Group#section-2BenchmarkActionsConsiderations/Comments for discussionComplexity / EffortNext StepsPotential Best PracticePublic meetings and workshops are hosted regularly and at times and locations convenient for the community. Current Practice - No Action RequiredThe City conducts outreach to specific communities, interests and populations. Current Practice - No Action RequiredThe community, including historically disadvantaged communities, trust and feel engaged by the City. 1. Review stakeholder list developed for the Denton Vision Zero Assessment. Identify gaps in "representative" communities and reach out to associated groups for engagement in the 2023 Vision Zero plan. 2. Develop a Public Participation Plan as a task in the Denton Vision Zero plan scope.Vision Zero stakeholder engagement to date has focused on diverse technical skills and interests. Consideration should be given to aligning demographic characteristics of stakeholders with demographics of Denton.Moderate - Discussions of equitable engagement can be complex.Determine approach to including historically disadvantaged communities.https://ladotlivablestreets.org/content-detail/Dignity-Infused-Community-Engagement-Strategy#:~:text=The%20Vision%20Zero%20Dignity-Infused,into%20the%20technical%20planning%20processThe City engages regularly with community-based organizations and leaders. Current Practice - No Action RequiredThe City recognizes the value of community input by providing grant opportunities made in partnership with community-based organizations and nonprofits supporting Vision Zero work.1. Research other cities to understand the types of safety-related grant opportunities they provide. Use results to determine potential grant program development in the City.Internal coordination may be required to determine if paying advocacy groups to participate in public processes aligns with the City's values and priorities.High - There may be values and funding constraints.Determine approach to funding activities of community-based organizations and nonprofits.LADOT and LA MetroPublic, High-Level and Ongoing CommitmentAuthentic Engagement Key elected officials and leaders have made a public commitment to the goal of eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries within a specific timeframe.Key elected officials are consistently engaged in prioritizing safety via collaborative efforts.Key stakeholders have made a clear, public statement in support of Vision Zero efforts and timeline.https://www.alamedaca.gov/files/assets/public/departments/alameda/transportation/vision-zero/signed-vision-zero-resolution15605.pdfhttps://www.sfmta.com/vision-zero-safe-streets-quarterly-progress Leadership and Commitment, CoBenchmarkActionsConsiderations/Comments for discussionComplexity / EffortNext StepsPotential Best PracticeCrash data is collected regularly and used to inform decisions before plan development.1. Obtain the most recent ten years of crash data for all public roads in the City to complete the crash analysis as part of the Vision Zero plan. Also incorporate analyzed crash data from recent studies/reports into planning process (i.e. Speed Study). Analyze to determine crash trends, contributing factors, crash types, high crash locations (or High Injury Network), and other prioritization methodologies.While initial set-up of tools to accomplish crash data analysis can be part of the VZ Plan, on-going staff time will be required to maintain and build additional capability of the system.High - Initial set-up of this type of process often involves building tools for reading, cleaning and displaying data. Developing a data dashboard with (semi) automated processing for importing new data extends the value of this effort.Develop initial crash analysis, high injury network and data dashboard as part of the VZ Plan.https://visionzero.austin.gov/viewer/The City augments traditional crash data from police data with data from other sources, such as hospitals.1. Develop a data collection memorandum as part of the Vision Zero planning process which identifies data needs (outside of crash data), availability of data, where it can be obtained, and next steps. This would include demographic data, roadway data, public health data, and hospital data. Available data will be used to further inform the safety challenges and needs in the City and if data are unavailable, suggested actions will be documented to be able to collect that data moving forward, if possible. VZ plan should include examination of what health data can be made available and incorporated into VZ analysis. Provide examples from peer cities (SF, e.g.)High - Requires collaboration with adjacent hospitals including agreements to share data and establish processes for conducting analysis. For best results, this analysis is updated and reported regularly.Initiate conversations with the County Public Health Department and adjacent hospitals to develop shared objectives.https://visionzeronetwork.org/the-central-role-of-public-health-in-vision-zero/The City has established an appropriate timeline to reach zero traffic fatalities. 1. During the Vision Zero planning process, establish the baseline for severe crashes (at a minimum - fatalities, serious injuries, and non-motorized) and consider external trends, programmed projects, and crash reduction factors to establish a goal of zero fatalities, with interim targets.VZ plan should establish timeline.Low - Part of VZ Plan.Develop timeline as part of VZ Plan.There are near-term and interim goals for achieving zero traffic fatalities.1. During the Vision Zero planning process, establish the baseline for severe crashes (at a minimum - fatalities, serious injuries, and non-motorized) and consider external trends, programmed projects, and crash reduction factors to establish a goal of zero fatalities, with interim targets.VZ plan should establish goals.Low - Part of VZ Plan.Develop timeline as part of VZ Plan.The City has delineated clear action items to achieve each goal.1. Using the Safe System Approach as a framework to achieve zero, utilize the data analysis results and stakeholder input from the Vision Zero planning process to develop implementable actions to make progress toward safer roads, safer road users, safer speeds, and safer vehicles (City fleets, DCTA). Actions will be documented in the Vision Zero plan.VZ plan should establish goals.Low - Part of VZ Plan.Establish goals as part of VZ Plan.https://www.austintexas.gov/sites/default/files/images/Transportation/Vision%20Zero%202021%20Update%20report.pdfA lead agency has been established for each action item.1. Each action identified in the Vision Zero plan will include information on action owner, supporting agencies, timeline for implementation, and resources/funding to implement. VZ plan should establish goals.Low - Part of VZ Plan.Establish as part of VZ Plan.The lead agency for each action item identifies partners to help complete the action.1. Each action identified in the Vision Zero plan will include information on action owner, supporting agencies, timeline for implementation, and resources/funding to implement. VZ plan should identify partners.Low - Part of VZ Plan.Establish as part of VZ Plan.The City has determined appropriate funding needs for each action item.1. Each action identified in the Vision Zero plan will include information on action owner, supporting agencies, timeline for implementation, and resources/funding to implement. VZ plan should determine funding needs.Low - Part of VZ Plan.Establish as part of VZ Plan.The City has maintained a Vision Zero website to inform the public about the initiative's progress. 1. As part of the Public Participation Plan developed for the Vision Zero planning effort (reference line 13), document website content as a sub-task and discuss how this will be executed. VZ plan should build VZ website.Moderate - Website should be developed as part of VZ Plan. On-going tracking and updates will require staff time.Build as part of VZ Plan.https://visionzero.dc.gov/pages/engineering#nearA third party audits Vision Zero progress and reports outcomes on the website. 1. Query outside agencies that might consider providing non biased, no cost audits (NCTCOG, TxDOT, others)Dependent on finding an appropriate and willing thrid party to conduct audits.Moderate - Establishing expectations and protocols for third party audit will require significant multi-department coordination. On-going tracking and updates will require staff time.Evaluate opportunities for third party audits during conduct of VZ Plan.The Denton Vision Zero Action Plan (the product of this contract) is an exhaustive third party auditTrain stakeholders to ensure continuity across agencies when a safety champion departs1. Develop a safety training video or PowerPoint for current and new employees which provides education on the City's commitment to safety, ways it is accomplished, and how to play a role.FHWA has many resources available.Moderate - Likely to occur after development of VZ Plan. On-going updates and trainings will require staff time.VZ Plan should develop approach that would likely be implemented after adoption of the VZ Plan.https://highways.dot.gov/safety/zero-deathsStrategic Planninghttps://www.austintexas.gov/department/vision-zero#:~:text=Vision%20Zero%20is%20the%20Austin,improvements%2C%20policy%20changes%20and%20education.https://www.ctps.org/data/html/studies/bikeped/review-of-vision-zero-strategies/Review-of-Vision-Zero-Strategies.htmlhttps://www.cityofmadison.com/transportation/documents/Vision%20Zero/Vision%20Zero%20Madison%20Action%20Plan.pdf Leadership and Commitment, CoBenchmarkActionsConsiderations/Comments for discussionComplexity / EffortNext StepsPotential Best PracticeThe City has established an efficient citizen request process and a methodology for evaluating requests. Current Practice - No Action RequiredAdequate policies related to transportation safety have been formulated. 1. Identify relevant policies that would be important to develop to support the City's safety goals during the Vision Zero planning process. Document these as actions in Vision Zero plan and task the lead agency with initiatiting process to turn them into official policies and documentation. VZ plan should establish policies.Low - Part of VZ Plan.Establish policies as part of VZ Plan.https://www.alamedaca.gov/Departments/Planning-Building-and-Transportation/Transportation/Vision-Zero#section-6The City has determined suitable performance measures to assess transportation safety.1. Utilize most recent 10 years of crash data to show crash trends for fatalities, serious injuries, and vulnerable road users. Publish those on City of Denton website. 2. Another interim, lite option, is to link to the NCTCOG safety performance measures and note that the City supports these and will soon be developing their own metrics and targets as part of the Vision Zero plan. 3. Could consider a report card, which could be expanded upon during Plan development.VZ plan should establish performance measures.Low - Part of VZ Plan.Establish performance measures as part of VZ Plan.https://www.austintexas.gov/department/vision-zero#:~:text=Vision%20Zero%20is%20the%20Austin,improvements%2C%20policy%20changes%20and%20education.FHWA's proven countermeasures are implemented in projects. 1. Develop one-pager highlighting Council approved/funded safety efforts over the previous two years to showcase successes. This would highlight current countermeasures being implemented and others to be considered in the future.May require updating City procedures. Could benefit from a safety or complete streets checklist.Low - Recommendations should be developed as part of VZ Plan.VZ Plan should develop approach that would likely be implemented after adoption of the VZ Plan.https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/provencountermeasures/index.cfmThe City implements NHTSA's Countermeasures that Work.1. During the Vision Zero planning process, actions related to enforcement and education will be identified. Effective behavioral solutions, from NHTSA, stakeholders, and other resources, will be reviewed and reccomended to address the key needs.May require updating City procedures. Could benefit from a safety or complete streets checklist.Low - Recommendations should be developed as part of VZ Plan.VZ Plan should develop approach that would likely be implemented after adoption of the VZ Plan.https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/2021-09/Countermeasures-10th_080621_v5_tag.pdfThe City shares project outcomes and effectiveness with the public.1. Develop one-pager highlighting Council approved/funded safety efforts over the previous two years to showcase successes. Can also have dashboard as part of VZ websiteModerate - Initial content can be developed as part of VZ Plan. On-going tracking and updates will require staff time.VZ Plan should develop approach that would likely be implemented after adoption of the VZ Plan.https://www.sfmta.com/vision-zero-safe-streets-quarterly-progressAdequate policies related to equitable transportation have been formulated. 1. Identify relevant policies that would be important to develop to support the City's safety goals during the Vision Zero planning process. Document these as actions in Vision Zero plan and task the lead agency with initiatiting process to turn them into official policies and documentation. VZ plan should establish policies.Low - Part of VZ Plan.Establish policies as part of VZ Plan.The City has determined suitable performance measures to assess equitable transportation.1. Research how other agencies are assessing equity (MAG, Austin are examples). Based on findings, recommend perfromance metrics that can be analyzed and mapped to visualize vulnerable areas. 2. Incorporate perfromance metrics into scoring for safety (and other transportation) improvements. VZ plan should establish performance measures.Low - Part of VZ Plan.Establish performance measures as part of VZ Plan.Adequate policies related to multimodal transportation have been formulated. Current Practice - No Action RequiredSuitable performance measures to assess multimodal transportation have been established.1. Develop multimodal performance measures in collaboration with key stakeholders.There are a variety of multimodal performance measures including measures of system efficiency and comfort. Low - Review best practices and develop custom solutions for Denton.Develop multimodal performance measures.https://www.fehrandpeers.com/vmt-impacts/https://semcog.org/mmtoolThe City provides funding for projects that reduce fatal and serious injury collisions.1. Review and revise the current CIP scoring methodology to reward projects that integrate safety improvements.May require updating City procedures. Could benefit from a safety or complete streets checklist. Low - Recommendations should be developed as part of VZ Plan.VZ Plan should develop approach that would likely be implemented after adoption of the VZ Plan.https://www.seattle.gov/documents/Departments/SDOT/PlanningProgram/CompSt_Checklist.pdfThere is sufficient funding allocated for future projects that may reduce fatal and serious injury collisions.1. Review and revise the current CIP scoring methodology to reward projects that integrate safety improvements.Question of whether this can include other funding (e.g. HSIP).Low - Recommendations should be developed as part of VZ Plan.VZ Plan should develop approach that would likely be implemented after adoption of the VZ Plan.The City applies for grants to fund safety projects from traditional sources.Current Practice - No Action RequiredThe City applies for grants to fund safety projects from non-traditional sources.1. During the Vision Zero planning process, identify what other funding resources exist in the City, region, or State (beyond Federal funds). 2. Research typical non-traditional funding sources being used by other cities.Most non-traditional funding sources (Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Bloomberg Cities Initiative for Cycling Infrastructure) are relatively small, targeted to specific equity populations and competitive.Low - Recommendations should be developed as part of VZ Plan.VZ Plan should develop approach that would likely be implemented after adoption of the VZ Plan.https://www.rwjf.org/en/our-focus-areas.htmlhttps://bloombergcities.jhu.edu/biciProjects incentivizing transit, biking, walking, and carpooling over single-occupant vehicles are prioritized and implemented.1. Review and revise the current CIP scoring methodology to reward projects that prioritize transit, biking, walking and carpooling.Consider TDM, Parking, other programs to promote mode shift.Low - Review best practices and develop custom solutions for Denton.VZ Plan should develop approach that would likely be implemented after adoption of the VZ Plan.https://arlingtontransportationpartners.com/programs/property-development/tdm-for-site-plans/The City has developed policies to maintain bicycle and pedestrian facilities during construction projects that affect roadway operations.1. If not currently available online, share policies. 2. Share short marketing piece (Facebook/Instagram) hgihlighting a recent construction project that maintained bike/ped facilities. 3. As needed, provide information/education to developers about this policy.Per recent updates to the MUTCD - "The needs and control of all road users (motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians within the highway, or on private roads open to public travel, including persons with disabilities... shall be an essential part of highway construction, utility work, maintenance operations, and the management of traffic incidents."Low - Include reference to MUTCD requirements in project implementation resources.Update procedures/resources related to implementing roadway and development projects.https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/htm/2009/part6/part6_toc.htmProject Deliveryhttps://visionzeronetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/VisionZero_Equity_FINAL.pdf Safe Roadways and Safe SpeeBenchmarkActionsConsiderations/Comments for discussionComplexity / EffortNext StepsPotential Best PracticeThe City has a Complete Streets Plan.1. Identify if a complete streets policy would be important to develop to support the City's safety goals during the Vision Zero planning process. Document relevant actions in Vision Zero plan and task the lead agency with initiatiting process to turn them into official policies with documentation. The City addresses Complete Streets in multiple documents including the Mobility Plan and transportation Criteria Manual. Complete streets policies are not addressed in a stand alone plan.Moderate - The Denton Mobility Plan addresses all modes but there are elements that could be enhanced, and it lacks a framework for prioritizing trade-offsAugment the Denton Mobility Plan with performance measures, a framework for prioritizing modes, and more detailed analysis of transit, bicycle and pedestrian circulation.https://smartgrowthamerica.org/program/national-complete-streets-coalition/policy-atlas/policy-development/https://www.nctcog.org/trans/plan/roads/complete-streets-context-sensitive-design. Fort Worth Master Thoroughfare plans offers a path to selecting cross-sections (but is quite formulaic)The City has allocated adequate funding for the complete streets projects.Current Practice - No Action RequiredComplete Street elements have been incorporated into the Thoroughfare Plan.Current Practice - No Action RequiredVulnerable users are prioritized in project planning and implementation.1. Review and revise the current CIP scoring methodology to reward projects that integrate the safety of vulnerable road users.May require updating City procedures. Could benefit from a safety or complete streets checklist. Moderate - Similar issues as Complete Streets Plan. Recommendations should be developed as part of VZ Plan.VZ Plan should develop approach that would likely be implemented after adoption of the VZ Plan.https://www.seattle.gov/documents/Departments/SDOT/PlanningProgram/CompSt_Checklist.pdfThe City actively coordinates with neighboring municipalities to provide connections for people walking and biking.Current Practice - No Action RequiredBenchmarkAppropriate practices are followed to set speed limits based on context.1.Share the results of the speed study and implement policy reccomendations.City has been on the leading edge of speed limit practices but has yet to implement changesLow - This has been a significant effort, but it is nearly complete.Implement recommendations.https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/uslimits/Fort Worth MTP also allows for 25 mph limits on a limited subset of roadwaysThe City uses specific rules to set speed limits near schools and areas with a high number of vulnerable road users.Current Practice - No Action RequiredAppropriate procedures are followed to enforce speed limits. Current Practice - No Action RequiredThere are ongoing education programs/campaigns related to traffic speeds. 1. During the Vision Zero planning process, actions related to education will be identified. Effective behavioral solutions, from NHTSA, stakeholders, and other resources, will be reviewed and reccomended to address the key needs. This could include the development of a speed education campaign. It could also include, to a simpler extent, a more formalized approach to sharing existing NHTSA or state materials at coordinated times during the year.FHWA has many resources available.Moderate - Likely to occur after development of VZ Plan. On-going updates and trainings will require staff time.VZ Plan should develop approach that would likely be implemented after adoption of the VZ Plan.https://www.txdot.gov/safety/traffic-safety-campaigns.htmlhttp://www.dot.state.mn.us/research/TS/2015/2015RIC04.pdfThe City follows proper methods to modify existing roadways to achieve safe speeds.1. Review and revise the current CIP scoring methodology to reward projects that achieve safe speeds.May require updating City procedures. Could benefit from a safety or complete streets checklist. Moderate - Similar issues as Complete Streets Plan. Recommendations should be developed as part of VZ Plan.VZ Plan should develop approach that would likely be implemented after adoption of the VZ Plan.https://www.seattle.gov/documents/Departments/SDOT/PlanningProgram/CompSt_Checklist.pdfData‐driven Approach, Transparency, and AccountabBenchmarkActionsConsiderations/Comments for discussionComplexity / EffortNext StepsPotential Best PracticeEquity is reflected in the City's vision and goals for safety.1. Equity-based analysis will be incorporated into the Vision Zero planning process and stakeholders, representing vulnerable populations. 2. Historically underserved populations will be engaged as part of VZ Plan The City has developed effective programs and strategies to help people without housing, and low-income individuals access jobs and services.Current Practice - No Action RequiredEquity is a factor in project prioritization.1. Research how other agencies are assessing equity (MAG, Austin examples). Based on findings, recommend perfromance metrics that can be analyzed and mapped to visualize vulnerable areas. 2. Incorporate perfromance metrics into scoring for safety (and other transportation) improvements.Geographic inequity is considered in the City's data analysis.1. A demographic overlay of the HIN will be completed during the development of the Vision Zero plan.The City reports safety outcomes demographically.1. City develop demographic filter of crashes as part of VZ Plan; 2. Incorporate Demographic filters as part of safety dashboard on VZ WebsiteCity PD policy for traffic stops consider equity Current Practice - No Action RequiredData on distribution of stops and ticketing is analyzed demographically.Current Practice - No Action RequiredComplete Streets for AllContext-appropriate speedsEquity-focused analysis and programsEquity should be addressed in a holistic manner including assessments to disproportionate outcomes (examples: job accessibility and serious injury/fatal crashes); historic and projected spending in communities of concern; and practices for authentic engagement.High - Will require complex conversations; changes to normal practices to expand equity considerations and outreach to equity populations; and increased and on-going efforts to measure and engage more equitably.VZ Plan should develop approach that would likely be implemented after adoption of the VZ Plan.https://visionzeronetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/VisionZero_Equity_FINAL.pdfhttps://ladotlivablestreets.org/content-detail/Dignity-Infused-Community-Engagement-Strategy#:~:text=The%20Vision%20Zero%20Dignity-Infused,into%20the%20technical%20planning%20processAustin Equity Storymap: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/4a57b61a0dc9444a9d117dc69f3a898e Data‐driven Approach, Transparency, and Accountability, The City has formulated effective policies to mitigate the disproportionate impact of fines for minor violations on low-income individuals.1. Identify relevant policies that would be important to develop to support the City's safety goals during the Vision Zero planning process. Document these as actions in Vision Zero plan and task the lead agency with initiatiting process to turn them into official policies and documentation. Important information and education materials are provided in common languages spoken by Denton residents whose first language is not English.Current Practice - No Action RequiredBenchmarkActionsConsiderations/Comments for discussionComplexity / EffortNext StepsPotential Best PracticeThe City uses data to identify and systematically address trends and risk factors to prevent severe collisions.1. Discuss this during the Data Collection memo as part of the Vision Zero planning process (reference Line 20).2. Consider deployment of technology that can identify potential severe collisions (e.g. video with AI software) at locations (prioritize by collision history, importance to bike/ped mobility etc)While initial set-up of tools to accomplish crash data analysis can be part of the VZ Plan, on-going staff time will be required to maintain and build additional capability of the system.High - Initial set-up of this type of process often involves building tools for reading, cleaning and displaying data. Developing a data dashboard with (semi) automated processing for importing new data extends the value of this effort.Develop initial analysis and data dashboard as part of the VZ Plan.https://www.dvrpc.org/Reports/17068.pdfCommon collision patterns have been matched with adequate countermeasures.1. Quick win: Highlight current projects and recent approved/funded efforts over the previous to showcase successes. This would highlight current countermeasures being implemented and others to be considered in the future.2. Longer-term: Systematic identification process for common collision patternsMay require updating City procedures. Could benefit from a safety or complete streets checklist.Summary of safety projects: Low effort, systematic recommendations should be developed as part of VZ Plan.VZ Plan should develop approach; implementation will take place after adoption of the VZ Plan.https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/provencountermeasures/index.cfmThe City works to continuously improve the accuracy of crash reports.Current Practice - No Action RequiredBenchmarkActionsConsiderations/Comments for discussionComplexity / EffortNext StepsPotential Best PracticeThe City uses the High Injury Network (HIN) in project prioritization.1. Obtain the most recent ten years of crash data for all public roads in the City to complete the crash analysis as part of the Vision Zero plan. Also incorporate analyzed crash data from recent studies/reports into planning process (i.e. Speed Study). Analyze to determine crash trends, contributing factors, crash types, high crash locations (or High Injury Network), and other prioritization methodologies.A demographic analysis of the HIN has been conducted. 1. A demographic overlay of the HIN will be completed during the development of the Vision Zero plan.BenchmarkActionsConsiderations/Comments for discussionComplexity / EffortNext StepsPotential Best PracticeThe City routinely monitors and reports collision data to the public. 1. Publish annual safety trends on the City of Denton website. 2. Create a more robust annual report sharing trends and implementation results/successes. 3. Committ to conduct a before and after safety analysis on all projects using HSIP funds. While initial set-up of tools to accomplish crash data analysis can be part of the VZ Plan, on-going staff time will be required to maintain and build additional capability of the system.High - Initial set-up of this type of process often involves building tools for reading, cleaning and displaying data. Developing a data dashboard with (semi) automated processing for importing new data extends the value of this effort. Before/after will take long-term commitment and budgetingDevelop initial crash analysis, high injury network and data dashboard as part of the VZ Plan.https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/74363e0dbb3e43138bc7d451a90817ef/Intersection design and control decisions are evaluated to reduce kinetic energy transfer to vulnerable users.1. Develop traffic signal phasing (left turn / right turn) strategy based on auto and pedestrian volumes.2. Consider similar framework for RTOR prohibition.Research on the impacts of larger vehicles on serious injuries and fatalities is emerging.Low - Update current guidance.Update City of Denton Transportation Criteria Manual.https://ecommerce.ite.org/IMIS/ItemDetail?iProductCode=RP-040B-Ehttps://ite.ygsclicbook.com/pubs/itejournal/2022/may-2022/live/index.html#p=40Demonstration projects are used to test the strategies and get feedback from the public.1. Highlight recent pilot projects and outcomes.2. Develop standardized process for determining pilot project locations, analysis process and before/after reporting standards.This is content that could be part of a VZ webste.Low - commit to demonstration projects as part of VZ plan.High - Demonstration projects are often complex, as is the conduct of before/after studies.Review best practices and determine appropriate approach for Dentonhttps://ladotlivablestreets.org/projectsThe City has a process to address underreporting of collisions, especially for vulnerable road users.1. Discuss this during the Data Collection memo as part of the Vision Zero planning process (reference Line 20).Research to establish and measure underreporting can be complex. High - Likely to require a collaboration with Denton County Public Health.Engage Denton County Public Health and determine interest in collaboration.https://safetrec.berkeley.edu/sites/default/files/trb_2019_underreporting_final.pdfResponsive, Hot Spot planningComprehensive Evaluation and AdjustmentsEquity-focused analysis and programsProactive, systemic planningWhile initial set-up of tools to accomplish crash data analysis can be part of the VZ Plan, on-going staff time will be required to maintain and build additional capability of the system.High - Initial set-up of this type of process often involves building tools for reading, cleaning and displaying data. Developing a data dashboard with (semi) automated processing for importing new data extends the value of this effort.Develop initial crash analysis, high injury network and data dashboard as part of the VZ Plan.https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/74363e0dbb3e43138bc7d451a90817ef/page/High-Injury-Network/Equity should be addressed in a holistic manner including assessments to disproportionate outcomes (examples: job accessibility and serious injury/fatal crashes); historic and projected spending in communities of concern; and practices for authentic engagement.High - Will require complex conversations; changes to normal practices to expand equity considerations and outreach to equity populations; and increased and on-going efforts to measure and engage more equitably.VZ Plan should develop approach that would likely be implemented after adoption of the VZ Plan.https://visionzeronetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/VisionZero_Equity_FINAL.pdfhttps://ladotlivablestreets.org/content-detail/Dignity-Infused-Community-Engagement-