Both Philadelphia’s Vision Zero Annual Report and the League of American Bicyclists’ Bicycle Friendly State rankings were released last week. These reports analyze a variety of data to identify progress made and areas of challenge in Philadelphia and at the state level, respectively, toward the goal of zero traffic fatalities. Read on for top line take-aways.
Philadelphia’s Vision Zero Annual Report 2024:
Philadelphia’s Office of Transportation and Infrastructure System releases the Vision Zero Annual Report each year showcasing the progress toward zero traffic fatalities. This is the first report under the Parker administration.
Some of the highlights include:
- As of October traffic deaths have declined 16% over the same period as last year.
- The total number of fatal crashes are still higher than pre- 2020 levels
- As of December 11 the total number of traffic deaths was 121 just 4 fewer than 2023.
- Since 2020 severe crashes are more likely to result in death
- The Automated Enforcement program will expand to five new corridors.
- 4 of the 5 of the most dangerous corridors recommended for program expansion are numbered state highways with Broad St (PA 611) topping the list.
- OTIS recommended Route 13 for the next corridor which would include parts of Frankford Ave, Hunting Park ave, Ridge ave 33rd st. and Baltimore ave. Full expansion report.
- More than $200 million in federal and state grants for safety projects.
- A new Vision Zero Action Plan that will be released by October 2025. OTIS is looking for public participation, information can be found here.
Bicycle-Friendly State Rankings: PA and NJ
The League of American Bicyclists released its Annual Bicycle Friendly States Report. LAB combines funding and crash data census data but also surveys the State DOT’s and advocates within the states. The Key findings from the 2024 Rankings Report Include
- Record Bicyclist Fatalities: Preliminary estimates indicate 1,149 bicyclists were killed in 2023, the highest number ever recorded
- New Focus on Safe Speeds: The League introduced a new scoring category this year, that rewards states that have implemented policies to allow communities to lower the speed limit to 20 mph.
- Infrastructure Investment: States have spent record federal funds on biking and walking projects thanks to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. However, as a percentage of overall transportation spending, biking and walking investments did not increase much as other roadway investments.
- Every Ride Counts: The category in which states scored the lowest reveals a troubling lack of comprehensive efforts to count and understand bicycle ridership, underscoring the need for better data.
Regionally Pennsylvania and New Jersey scored relatively high for infrastructure and staff capacity/support but both states were in the bottom half for evaluated funding sources spending less than 2% of federal funds on bike and pedestrian infrastructure. Neither state has a process to authorize a 20 mph speed limit.
Pennsylvania (Rank 19) – The State received high marks for infrastructure. It was in the top half of the rankings for law, but it was noted that the Parking Protected Bike Lane bill has failed to pass the legislature repeatedly even though the League is not aware of this being an issue in other states. Pennsylvania has spent more than $3 per capita on biking and walking.
New Jersey (Rank 26) – NJ ranked 49th in spending (obligating) federal money spending less that $1 per capita on biking and walking. This may be partially because money is often awarded to small communities that may not have the capacity to meet federal guidelines. There is also a cycle of communities giving back money for failed projects which discourages them from applying for the money again, which leaves a lot of money on the table.
Thanks to the DVRPC and the William Penn Foundation efforts, our region has received a higher level of investment. Circuit Trails communities have received impressive sums of money from the IIJA including $19 Million for the LINK Trail Camden County in 2021 and $19 Million for US 130 Pedestrian Bridge and trail project.
The states did not report spending any money on bike counts; however, in our region DVRPC has an extensive bike and pedestrian counting program.