Abstract

In Canada, most jurisdictions have experienced stagnation or even increases in traffic injuries lately, leading to reconsider prevention strategies. The Swedish approach ‘Vision Zero’, as stated in its name, aims to reduce the number of fatal and serious road collisions to zero. First introduced 20 years ago, it represent a turning point in the way we view road safety around the world. In the last years, major Canadian cities and provinces adopted this approach. However, it is not clear how they will adapt it to the North American context, nor how stakeholders collaborate together within the Vision Zero framework to ensure the reduction in traffic injuries.

This project explore the multi-sectoral content of Canadian Vision Zero initiatives using three sources: official documents from jurisdictions involved in VZ; content of a workshop held in 2017 on VZ implementation (discussions on: actors, data, indicators and methods needed, 50 participants); and interviews with key stakeholders in five cities (Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Montreal).

Preliminary results show that there is no consistent method to implement VZ plans or measure their impacts on road safety: while some jurisdictions have more formal action plans, targets and dedicated resources, other have included the VZ approach within their transportation plans. Despite the fact that participants suggested a wide range of actors (from provincial health authorities to cycling advisory groups and auto manufacturer) who should be involved, very few of the actual initiatives includes a broad range of actors outside the municipal level. Our research also confirms the need for more ccoordination between actors: the alignment of their data (including standardization and data sharing) and expertise around common indicators will be necessary to effectively meet the goals of Vision Zero.