A major step forward for the local bicycling community.
City Council voted unanimously to adopt the policy Monday night which includes a long list of recommendations aimed at achieving a transportation system with zero fatalities or serious injuries.
The 'Vision Zero' policy will change the way cycling is viewed in the city.
"Vision Zero is a more people-centred approach to transportation as opposed to it's all about the cars and the rest of you can get out of the way," says Jennifer Escott of Bike Windsor-Essex. "It puts some responsibility back on the road designers, on those who are putting traffic signs and signals in and crosswalks."
Escott says the original policy was developed in Europe.
Jennifer Escott of Bike Windsor-Essex seen at a Windsor council meeting on April 15, 2019 (Photo by AM800's Zander Broeckel)
"This has been adopted and implemented across North America. It started in Sweden. New York City has seen a drastic reduction in death and injury, especially amongst the vulnerable road users."
She says Windsor has some catching up to do when it comes to pedestrian safety.
"We're behind and hopefully this Vision Zero is going to improve the situation and improve the safety for all road users including the drivers. Basically, the city will change some of the ways that things are being designed."
With the adoption of the 'Vision Zero' policy, Windsor joins dozens of other municipalities across North America including Toronto, Ottawa and Detroit.