Case Study: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania



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Vision Zero Adoption

2016

Vision Zero Target

2050

Population

1.6 Million

Philadelphia downtown city skyline, cityscape of Pennsylvania USA

Community Description

  • Philadelphia, located in southeastern Pennsylvania, is the state’s largest city.
  • It is renowned for its rich historical heritage, notably being the site where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were signed.
  • The city’s transportation network is highly developed, featuring an extensive system of roads, highways, and public transit options.

Challenges

  • Philadelphia experiences high fatality rates compared to their peer cities that adopted Vision Zero, especially in neighborhoods below the poverty line.  
  • Speed is the number one contributing factor for fatal crashes.
  • On average, 5 children are reported to be involved in crashes daily.
  • Vulnerable road users such as pedestrians are disproportionately killed in Philadelphia streets.

Safe System Focus

  • Safe Speeds
  • Safe Streets
  • Safe People

  • Vision Zero for Youth
  • Equity
  • Data-Driven Action Plans

Safe Street and Roads for All (SS4A) Implementation Grants

In the Vision Zero Action Plan, the City has a comprehensive list of Vision Zero projects and grants that will be used to fund each project.

  • “Philadelphia Vision Zero Capital Plan”

Awarded in 2022

  • “Complete & Safe Streets Philadelphia: Vision Zero
    High-Injury Network Corridors”

Awarded in 2023

Lessons Learned

  • In larger cities, having strong leadership from elected officials can help get Safe System efforts started and multi-disciplinary coalition formed.
  • A comprehensive, data-driven plan provides a strong basis for grant applications.
  • Detailed action items, responsible parties, and frequent coalition meetings are key for sustaining stakeholder collaborations. 

A mayor stands at a podium outdoors, speaking into microphones during a press conference. A parking lot is visible in the background.

  • Making community outreach and education part of the Vision Zero planning process can help address resistance to strategies such as automated enforcement programs.
  • Providing electronic and printed resources in multiple languages is effective in providing equal participation opportunities for the entire community.

A group of people sitting around a table leaning in to examine a large map spread out on the table. The map shows an enlarged layout of a city block with street names. There are scattered flyers with information about slow zones on the table.

  • Engaging the community during the development of a plan and after implementation can overcome resistance to change.

Three workers painting a green bike lane on a street

Cyclists riding on a green painted bike lane alongside a street with cars visible in the adjacent lanes

  • Sharing accomplishments regularly, such as tools for visualization of improvements, in-person project showcases, and social media posts helps build community understanding and support of the Safe System approach.
  • Working with media on messaging around traffic crashes has a measurable impact on public support to make roads safer for everyone.

A poster showing a yellow school bus on a street with text that reads "Stop for School Buses, Watch for School Children"

A poster with a message that reads "Slow down and watch for people walking" with a background image showing a person crossing a street

  • Understanding that commitment and recommitment to Vision Zero and the Safe System approach are necessary will help cities continue to make progress in the long term.

A bus driving down the street with an advertisement on the back that reads "Phone Down Eyes Up"


Additional Resources

Videos