Every day, pedestrians and cyclists in Biddeford risk their lives navigating our dangerous roadways. Some of these individuals shared their stories and experiences at The Street Project documentary screening and discussion held at Banded Brewing earlier this month.

Now it is our City’s responsibility to take action and prioritize the safety of all road users. One strategy that has gained traction in recent years is Vision Zero, a comprehensive approach to street safety that aims to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries. By embracing this approach, Biddeford can prioritize the safety of all road users and take concrete steps towards a future where traffic accidents become a thing of the past.

So, how can we make this vision a reality in Biddeford?

The first step is to understand what Vision Zero is and why it matters. Vision Zero is a strategy that aims to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, prioritizing the safety of all road users. This strategy is based on the belief that every traffic crash is preventable, and it is up to cities to design their streets in a way that prioritizes safety. The Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG) is leading this effort in Maine and paving the way for Vision Zero implementation, providing resources and support to cities like Biddeford to make our streets safer. By adopting a Vision Zero strategy, Biddeford can ensure its streets are safe for all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.

 

The graphic above describes the foundational tenets of Vision Zero. Vision Zero is underpinned by a focus on road design, education, enforcement, and technology, in order to create a safer transportation system for all. Source: visionzeronetwork.org

Investing in safe streets will not only benefit the safety of Biddeford residents but will also have environmental and economic benefits for our community. When people feel safe walking or biking, they are more likely to choose these active modes of transportation over driving. This reduces the number of cars on the road, leading to decreased traffic, emissions, and air pollution. Safe streets also encourage physical activity, which promotes health and well-being.

From an economic perspective, investing in safe streets is a wise decision. Pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure can attract new residents and businesses, leading to economic growth. Furthermore, when streets are safe for all users, it can reduce the number of accidents and wear and tear on our roads leading to lower healthcare costs, insurance rates, and fewer taxpayer dollars required for repaving and general street maintenance.

In Biddeford, there are several opportunities to implement Vision Zero strategies and make our streets safer for all users. May Street, located near Memorial Park (Mayfield), one of our most widely used parks, is a prime location for pedestrian improvements. By adding speed tables, elevated crosswalks, curb extensions, and improved sidewalks, we can slow down vehicle traffic and create a safer environment for people walking to and from the park. Additionally, May Street could benefit from improved lighting and blinking crosswalk signage, making it easier for pedestrians to see and be seen at night.

Center Street is an area where we could invest in bike lanes. Currently, Center Street lacks safe infrastructure for cyclists, which discourages people from using bikes as a mode of transportation. By adding a protected bike lane, we can start building a safe and accessible network for cyclists, encouraging more people to choose biking over driving.

The Elm Street corridor is poised to benefit from a substantial infusion of federal funds, presenting a prime opportunity to enhance street safety in the area. With these funds, we can channel investments into improving pedestrian infrastructure, including better sidewalks, bike lanes, and signalized crosswalks. Such enhancements will not only foster pedestrian and cyclist safety but also provide economic and environmental benefits for our downtown.

It is also essential to recognize that a city built just for cars is limiting. It traps and restricts movement for individuals who cannot drive or cannot afford to own a vehicle. By prioritizing the safety of all road users, we can create a more inclusive and equitable city. We must ensure that everyone has access to safe and reliable transportation options.

Creating a city that prioritizes the safety of all road users is about more than adding bike lanes and pedestrian crossings. It requires a fundamental shift in the way we think about transportation. It requires us to recognize that every person has a right to safe and reliable transportation, regardless of how they choose to travel. It requires us to think about transportation as a public good rather than a commodity that only benefits those who can afford it.

We have seen the benefits of investing in safe streets in other cities nationwide. For example, New York City has seen a 15% decrease in traffic fatalities since adopting a Vision Zero strategy in 2014. This is a clear indication that Vision Zero works and that it can work in Biddeford. But we need to act now. Every day we delay is another day that someone's safety is at risk. Last November, two Biddeford teens were hit by a vehicle within a week of each other. These incidents underscore the urgent need to prioritize the safety of all road users in Biddeford.

Investing in safe streets can create a more vibrant, healthy, and equitable community for everyone. It is time for Biddeford to adopt a Vision Zero strategy and invest in safe streets for pedestrians and cyclists. Let's work together toward a future where everyone can move freely and safely throughout our city.

Liam LaFountain is a first-term City Councilor in Biddeford and a healthcare analyst at the non-profit Healthcare Purchaser Alliance. He welcomes questions, comments, and ideas and can be contacted directly at liam.lafountain@biddefordmaine.org.

The views and opinions herein are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the viewpoints and opinions of Saco Bay News, its employees, publisher, or advertisers.