POLICY VISION ZERO RESOLUTIONS DESCRIPTION
A resolution is typically used to express a legislative’s body’s opinion or intent about a particular issue or topic a community is facing. Oftentimes communities use resolutions to educate the public about critical issues and send a strong signal to the public and state and federal legislators that people care about certain issues. However, sometimes there is not enough clarity on what an outcome should be on an issue or how to resolve the issue. Mayor, Council, School Board, Homeowners Association, or others may be more comfortable stating their support for or against a particular issue using a resolution instead of passing an ordinance. The Indianapolis Regional Transportation Council (IRTC) Joint Policy and Technical Committee approved Resolution Number 18-IMPO-022 on December 12, 2018. Resolution Number 18-IMPO-022. The MPO policy resolution supported a
regional vision zero initiative to reduce motorist, bicyclist, pedestrian, transit user, and other transportation-related deaths and serious injuries to zero. Unlike other resolutions previously adopted for performance measures, this one does not have a mandate. *Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization Transportation Policy Committee was previously known as the Indianapolis Regional Transportation Council (IRTC) when the Vision Zero Resolution was passed. Indianapolis MPO’s policy resolution
CONSIDERATIONS
While a resolution is typically the first start to implementing vision zero, resolutions do not require action and are not enforceable. A resolution is a nonbinding, official statement. A resolution typically has a main motion with whereas clauses stating the reasons for a policy, position, or action. These clauses or statements that begin with “WHEREAS”, and are statements documenting facts, or existing conditions, the change that needs to occur, the authority of the body making the resolution, and a call for a specific action or program with a timetable.
Supports of vision zero know that the typical approach to transportation mobility safety is not enough anymore and a fundamental shift in philosophy and approach to traffic are needed. However, that is easier said than done. Most communities, agencies, or nonprofits who want to enact vision zero policies, a plan, design solutions or merely support others start with a strong policy resolution. Many of the resolutions for vision zero have been an overall resolution supporting the goals of vision zero. These resolutions often start out with stating that fatalities are not acceptable, the action that needs to be taken, and that the legislative body supports the goals of vision zero. /
Some facts or statements to consider in a resolution:
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Percent pedestrian fatalities of total traffic fatalities
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Number of total pedestrian crashes per fatalities per year
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Percent of pedestrian crashes occurring outside the intersection
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Safety is a priority for all road users.
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Crossings are essential to a complete network for pedestrian mobility.
Policy Strategies / 5