Somerville Seeks Members and Advisors for Vision Zero Task Force

The City of Somerville is seeking applicants for a newly formed Vision Zero Task Force. In September 2017, the City announced the launch of Vision Zero Somerville, reaffirming Somerville’s commitment to multi-modal road safety. The initiative will take a multi-department, data-driven approach to improving safety for all road users, whether on bicycles or on foot, in vehicles, or aboard public transit. The Task Force will explore potential policy and infrastructure changes the City may include in the upcoming Somerville Vision Zero Action Plan. Area experts willing to serve as occasional or one-time advisors are also sought for a wide range of knowledge areas from active transportation, traffic safety, public health, data analysis and visualization, and other relevant fields.

 

Task Force members will meet with experts, conduct research, and ultimately submit recommendations to the City administration regarding existing traffic safety issues in Somerville, changes to city policy in regard to traffic enforcement, ways to improve the city’s data collection and data distribution efforts, and more.

 

The Vision Zero Action Plan, scheduled to be published by the end of December 2018, will outline dozens of action items, ranging from infrastructure to enforcement to public health, which will help the city achieve its goal of eliminating serious injuries and deaths on our roadways.  The action plan will identify short-term and long-term visions that will have clear benchmarks to mark progress going forward. The plan will document and enhance the City’s existing efforts to make our streets safe for all ages and abilities.

 

Community members committed to safe streets and multimodal transportation are encouraged to apply to serve on the Task Force as members. Experts willing to serve as advisors are also encouraged from outside Somerville. . Areas of expertise that would be helpful among the membership and advisors, but that are not required for membership, include knowledge or expertise in transportation engineering or planning, related legal and policy experience at the local, state, and federal level; emergency response, maintenance of public infrastructure; active transportation; public health; public education; and other related areas.  Members of the local and regional advocacy community are encouraged to apply.

 

Community members who would like to apply to be on the Task Force should send a brief statement of interest and information on any relevant qualifications to Mike Tremblay at mtremblay@somervillema.gov by noon on Friday, September 14, 2018.