Vision Zero for New Hampshire

Let's build a safe, welcoming, and accessible New Hampshire for all

10+ road deaths in 4 days

A person was killed in a crash in Concord on Tuesday (7/16/24) morning. There have been at least 10 deaths in four days on New Hampshire roadways, of which included 8-year-old Aria Enresto in Laconia and her 4-year-old brother who was injured. There is no doubt that something MUST be done to recover from this epidemic of road deaths. Whether in Manchester, Concord, Belmont, Alton, Loudon, Jaffrey, Hampton Falls, Gilford, or anywhere in the state, no one deserves to die when going anywhere. We must ensure that our roads are safe for everyone, no matter their chosen transportation method. Traffic Violence is not a partisan issue. Traffic Violence is not only a city issue. Traffic Violence affects every community in New Hampshire. Traffic Violence affects everyone. Traffic Violence must be stopped. 

One step we must take today is urging our elected officials to adopt policies that promote Vision Zero, the goal of zero traffic deaths. We can not let another person die on New Hampshire's roads. 

A Driver was killed on Rt 125 in Epping

31-year-old Amanda Wager, of New Boston, NH, was killed this past Sunday by another driver on Rt 125 in Epping, NH. Wagner died on the scene. The other driver was taken to the local hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

This is yet another reminder about the lack of thought put into New Hampshire’s roads’ safety during the planning process. The MBikeTA is doubling down on our call for the State to adopt a Vision Zero plan to curb traffic violence across the state. The death of Amanda Wagner was preventable. We must act before another falls victim to New Hampshire’s roads.


A cyclist was killed on Center & Union in Manchester, NH.  

It is with deep sadness and concern that we address the recent tragic loss of a cyclist who was struck and killed at the intersection of Center & Union in Manchester this past week. This devastating incident is a stark reminder of the urgent need to prioritize the safety of all road users in our community.

Traffic deaths are not mere accidents; they are preventable tragedies that leave families and communities heartbroken. The loss of this cyclist is a profound tragedy, and our thoughts are with the victim's family and loved ones during this difficult time.

In light of this heartbreaking event, we call on Mayor Ruais, City Council, and state officials to adopt a Vision Zero plan. Vision Zero is a comprehensive strategy aimed at eliminating all traffic fatalities and severe injuries while increasing safe, healthy, and equitable mobility for all. By committing to Vision Zero, we can implement proven measures such as improved road design, enhanced traffic enforcement, and community education to ensure that no more lives are needlessly lost on our streets.

We are also grateful that Manchester Police charged the responsible party to the fullest extent of the law. Accountability is crucial in preventing further tragedies. No one deserves to die on their way to work.

We urge our leaders to take immediate and decisive action to protect our residents and create a safer Manchester for everyone. Together, we can work towards a future where traffic deaths are a thing of the past.

NHTSA's New Campaign for Traffic Safety in New England

I am pleased to hear that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is working with local law enforcement in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, and Connecticut to launch a new campaign to curb speeding in New England. This initiative will increase the visibility of officers and deter unsafe driving through more frequent ticketing. The campaign responds to speeding fatalities reaching a 14-year high in 2021, accounting for almost one-third of all traffic fatalities nationwide.

While this campaign is a step toward ending traffic violence in New England, our work is far from done!

What is Vision Zero?


Vision Zero is a strategy aimed at eliminating all traffic fatalities and severe injuries while increasing safe, healthy, and equitable mobility for all. Originating in Sweden in the 1990s, Vision Zero is founded on the belief that no loss of life is acceptable and that traffic deaths and injuries are preventable through a systemic approach.

Vision Zero for NH aims to make New Hampshire's Roads Safe, Welcoming, and Accessible for all road users through a Complete Streets approach. 

What is a Complete Street?

A Complete Street is designed to provide safe, attractive, and comfortable access and travel for all users, regardless of their mode of transportation. While a Complete Streets approach prioritizes pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities, it is just as important for drivers and motorcyclists. The goal of Complete Streets is to create a transportation network that provides safe, welcoming, and accessible options for everyone, improving the quality of life in communities.

Features of Complete Streets

Not all features are necessary on every street, but it is imperative all are considered to create a street that is safe for all.

Take Action!

Email your elected representatives- 

Find info about who your state representatives, state senators, and executive councilors are on Citizens Count by entering your town. This will also provide their email address.  Email the Chair of the Transportation Committees in the State Senate (Senator Denise Ricciardi - denise.ricciardi@leg.state.nh.us) and in the State House of Reps (Representative Thomas Walsh - Thomas.Walsh@leg.state.nh.us). Also email Mayor Jay Ruais (mayor@manchesternh.gov) and Members of the Board of Aldermen.  

Attend Meetings and Connect with Communities- 

Queen City Bicycle Collective has a monthly advocacy meeting on the third Monday of every month. Attend meetings with your local leaders and urge them to support Vision Zero initiatives at the State and Municipal levels. 

Letters to The Editors-

Send a LTE to your local papers to increase visibility and awareness of traffic violence. 

Sample Email:

sample vision zero letter.docx

Concrete Steps for Vision Zero

Improving Street Designs: Use Daylighting and other similar methods to ensure pedestrians and cyclists are visible at intersections, the most dangerous part of walking and cycling. Add protected bike lanes to avoid conflict between drivers and cyclists in congested areas. Add raised pedestrian crossings, forcing drivers and cyclists to slow down before interacting with pedestrians. 

Lowering Speed Limits: Lower speed limits can significantly reduce the severity of accidents when they do happen. 

Increasing Enforcement: Traffic deaths often go unprosecuted. Increasing enforcement of traffic laws, particularly those related to speeding and impaired driving, can discourage these dangerous behaviors. 

Public Education: Raising awareness about traffic safety and promoting safe driving, walking, and cycling behaviors can lead to everyone making safer decisions on the roadways. It is important for all parties to make smart decisions when on the roads. Confused road users make dangerous road users; we must ensure everyone knows what to do at different types of intersections. 

Engaging with Communities: Involving local communities in the planning and implementation of safety measures to ensure they meet the needs of all road users. 

What Other Places are Doing

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania:

The City of Pittsburgh has created a Complete Streets Advisory Group. This group provides feedback to align projects with the principles identified in the city’s Complete Street Policy. This board features representatives from various city departments and non-profits such as BikePGH and Pittsburghers for Public Transit. 

https://engage.pittsburghpa.gov/complete-streets-advisory-group 

New York, New York:

The City of New York has implemented automatic red light and speed limit enforcement cameras to ensure safe driving speeds. Speed cameras are usually placed in School Zones due to the high concentration of children walking on and around the streets. 

https://portal.311.nyc.gov/article/?kanumber=KA-02324 

Austin, Texas:

The City of Austin has focused on using data to identify high-risk areas and prioritize safety improvements. Austin’s Vision Zero program relies heavily on analytics to target the most dangerous locations and behaviors. Austin's Vision Zero website has trackers showing the public trends compared to the previous year. 

https://www.austintexas.gov/department/vision-zero 

Florida:

The State of Florida's Pedestrian and Bicycle Focused Initiative proposes a strategic plan for how state departments can reduce road-related fatalities. 

https://www.fdot.gov/Safety/programs/pedestrian-and-bicycle-safety

Cambridge, Massachusetts:

Cambridge Public Schools have a Pedestrian and Bicycle Education system where every elementary and middle schooler will receive baseline pedestrian and bicycle safety skills.

https://www.cambridgema.gov/Services/bicycleeducation#:~:text=Cambridge%20Safe%20Routes%20to%20School%20(SRTS)%20offers%20bicycle%20and%20pedestrian,the%20Cambridge%20Public%20School%20system.  

Vision Zero Network

The Vision Zero Network provides extensive information about Vision Zero across the globe. 

Contact

Email: jacob@mbiketa.com Instagram: @the.m.bike.ta X/Twitter: @TheMBikeTA and @jacob_bikes_