For the Vision Zero Conference we host three morning breakout sessions that attendees get to choose from. This year our breakout sessions will focus on highway caps, vehicle design, and safer streets in public parks.
Where do caps fit in the future?
Through the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, cities all across the country have been able to begin planning massive capital projects with a whole focus on Re-connecting communities that have been previously destroyed by highway expansion. Philadelphia is receiving federal funds to cap part of the Vine Street Expressway, that previously destroyed part of Chinatown, and to build a cap over I-95 connecting communities to the waterfront. We take a look at a finished cap in Pittsburgh and compare the work being done on both the 95 cap and the Chinatown stitch. But all of this begs the question, can we have a future where caps aren’t necessary and we keep communities connected. The panel will be moderated by Megan Clarkin of OTIS, and include Lizzie Woods with Delaware River Waterfront Corporation; Debbie Ferrero with Pennoni; and Roger Eaton with HDR.
Isolated Safety: The future of vehicle design
For the past decade car design has focused on increasing weight, size, and performance creating a dangerous nexus point for the person outside of the vehicle. The auto industry has sold drivers on increased safety ratings, creating a false sense of security but only for people inside the car. In this panel we will look at the impact modern vehicles are having on pedestrians, cyclists and in the ER room. Will Philadelphia join the conversation about regulating these vehicles as a way to save lives in the future? The panel will be moderated by UPenn Transportation Professor Megan Ryerson, and include Policy and Partnerships Director at Safe Routes Partnership, Marisa Jones; and Sid Ozer and Mindy Maslin with Families for Safe Streets Greater Philadelphia.
Do cars belong in public parks?
Like many urban parks, FDR Park has a lot to offer. Popular destinations for people walking, biking, and riding include the Southeast Asian Market, the skate park, the Meadows, and more. The FDR Loop is also popular among drivers and has speeds of upwards of 40 mph, which can be dangerous for everyone – especially those outside a vehicle. In August 2023, a driver hit and critically injured a pedestrian and killed a cyclist, Mario D’Adamo, inside FDR Park. We will hear from stakeholders how FDR Park should respond to the safety concerns illuminated by this crash and how to plan for a safer park for all in the future. The panel will be moderated by former FDR Park President Justin Diberardinis, and include We Walk Leader Mildred Pitts; State Senator & Friends of FDR Park Board member, Nikil Saval; Catzie Vilayphonh, Southeast Asian Outreach Network Vendor Community Cultivator; and Streets Dept. District Traffic Planner, Kevin O’Connell.
For the past decade, the Bicycle Coalition has hosted the annual Vision Zero PHL conference, bringing together safe street advocates, elected officials, planners, engineers and other key stakeholders. This year’s conference takes place on March 22nd at Temple University’s Student Center South. Please join us or consider becoming a sponsor. Complete details available here.