Vision Zero — the zero in Vision Zero is enforcement of rules against cyclists and pedestrians.
When approached by Vision Zero petitioners early in their efforts I suggested to them that their hopes would only have a chance of success if they undertook seriously to educate pedestrians and cyclists. They assured me that was part of the program. As it turns out, not so much.
Far too many cyclists seek "equality" of the road with motorists but fail to acknowledge their responsibility to abide by the same laws. Many ride carefree as if no cars or pedestrians occupy the same space. They also assert right of way on both road and sidewalk seemingly at will.
We have created a society in which pedestrians assume the right of way regardless of circumstances. They jaywalk, often without looking, they cross intersections against traffic controls (sometimes without looking), ignore vehicles making legal turns and seem generally oblivious of the danger to themselves if, heaven forfend, a driver is distracted. Whatever happened to "Look both ways?"
Motorists have major responsibilities since they are managing a machine capable of doing grave injury. That our area includes too many motorists who are rude, use hand-held devices while driving and are often thoughtless goes without saying.
The serious shortcoming of this effort is that the zero in Vision Zero is the education and enforcement of laws and regulations pertaining to cyclists and pedestrians not just motorists.
David A. Norcross
Alexandria