(Washington, DC) – Today, Mayor Bowser announced the District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has developed a plan to improve 36 intersections with dual turn lanes that pose “multiple threat” risks, particularly to pedestrians. Intersections with dual turn lanes have multiple conflict points between motorists and pedestrians and have shown to result in an increased frequency of crashes, and Mayor Bowser has dedicated resources to eliminating these types of accidents.
“The District is fully committed to offering safe, accessible, and sustainable transportation opportunities to all our residents and visitors,” said Mayor Bowser. “By implementing Vision Zero strategies that support cyclists, motorist, and pedestrians alike, we are creating a safer, stronger DC for all.”
Mayor Bowser’s announcement came during the second annual Vision Zero Summit hosted by the Washington Area Bicycle Association, which brought together transportation and health professionals, multi-modal transportation advocates, and policymakers in a day-long symposium on transportation safety in the Washington region.
The District has already made recent improvements at four “double turn” intersections. DDOT has identified solutions to be implemented by the end of the summer at nine others with additional analysis underway for 25 more intersections. DDOT has a goal to complete the redesign of the intersections by the end of 2018. Solutions will be tailored to each location and may include signal phasing changes or reduction of dual turn lanes to single lanes.
Vision Zero is Mayor Bowser’s initiative to improve all modes of transportation safety by showcasing effective local actions, empowering local leaders to take action, and promoting partnerships to advance pedestrian and bicycle safety. The District is using data, education, enforcement, engineering, and engagement to drive its Vision Zero Strategy.
More than 20 District government agencies are engaged in the Vision Zero Initiative, including DDOT, Department of Public Works, the Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services, Metropolitan Police Department, DC Taxi Cab Commission, the Department of Motor Vehicles, the DC Office on Aging, DC Public Schools, Fire and Emergency Medical Services, Homeland Security and Management, Office of Unified Communications, Department of Health, the Office of the Attorney General, Office of the Chief Technology Officer, Office of Disability Rights, Office of Planning, Office of the City Administrator, Office of the State Superintendent of Education, the Deputy Mayor for Education, Office of Policy and Legislative Affairs, and the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development.