Vision Zero Framework & Systemic Safety Approach

Vision Zero Framework & Systemic Safety Approach

Project Summary
In 2018, the Contra Costa Transportation Authority approved the Countywide Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan (CBPP), which included recommendation to develop a framework for a countywide Vision Zero policy and implementation program. Subsequently, in 2019, the Contra Costa Transportation Authority crafted a Transportation Expenditure Plan (TEP) to extend the existing 30-year countywide 1/2-cent sales tax, called Measure J, which was originally approved by county voters in 2004. The purpose of seeking this measure extension was to create significant, reliable funding for on-going and future programs and projects to meet the evolving mobility demands of a growing county and Bay Area region.

Among other innovative initiatives, the Draft TEP sought to include innovative policy and programs for a safer mobility network, including Vision Zero. My role was to write the mobility Vision Zero policy language to be included in the TEP, from which drew upon successful research and implementation championed by the Vision Zero Network and the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO).

In anticipation of placing the TEP on the March 2020 General Elections ballot for voter review and approval, I was subsequently involved in scoping and drafting the Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit consulting assistance to develop a Vision Zero Framework & Systemic Safety Approach at the countywide level.

While the TEP did not pass by the required supermajority (67%), the Authority continued to act on the CBPP recommendation to develop Vision Zero policy and has successfully published several policy and programming documents to facilitate safer countywide mobility, now and into the future.

Project Summary
In 2018, the Contra Costa Transportation Authority approved the Countywide Bicycle & Pedestrian Plan (CBPP), which included recommendation to develop a framework for a countywide Vision Zero policy and implementation program. Subsequently, in 2019, the Contra Costa Transportation Authority crafted a Transportation Expenditure Plan (TEP) to extend the existing 30-year countywide 1/2-cent sales tax, called Measure J, which was originally approved by county voters in 2004. The purpose of seeking this measure extension was to create significant, reliable funding for on-going and future programs and projects to meet the evolving mobility demands of a growing county and Bay Area region.

Among other innovative initiatives, the Draft TEP sought to include innovative policy and programs for a safer mobility network, including Vision Zero. My role was to write the mobility Vision Zero policy language to be included in the TEP, from which drew upon successful research and implementation championed by the Vision Zero Network and the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO).

In anticipation of placing the TEP on the March 2020 General Elections ballot for voter review and approval, I was subsequently involved in scoping and drafting the Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit consulting assistance to develop a Vision Zero Framework & Systemic Safety Approach at the countywide level.

While the TEP did not pass by the required supermajority (67%), the Authority continued to act on the CBPP recommendation to develop Vision Zero policy and has successfully published several policy and programming documents to facilitate safer countywide mobility, now and into the future.

Role
Policy writer and initial project manager (prior to departure for opportunity abroad)

Role
Policy writer and initial project manager (prior to departure for opportunity abroad)

Timeline
2019 - 2020

Timeline
2019 - 2020

Stakeholders
1.2 million+ County residents, businesses, & visitors
Regional Transportation Planning Committees (RTPCs)

Stakeholders
1.2 million+ County residents, businesses, & visitors
Regional Transportation Planning Committees (RTPCs)

Project Value
$100,000 planning & implementation contract

Project Value
$100,000 planning & implementation contract

CCTA

CCTA

CCTA

Key Outcomes & Insights

Initiated the first Vision Zero policy in Contra Costa County

Initiated the first Vision Zero policy in Contra Costa County

Initiated the first Vision Zero policy in Contra Costa County

Bold, plainly written policy is more meaningful and effective than ambiguous aspirations

Bold, plainly written policy is more meaningful and effective than ambiguous aspirations

Bold, plainly written policy is more meaningful and effective than ambiguous aspirations

In the U.S., the Vision Zero paradigm marks a significant shift from historical transportation design and engineering practice by aiming not only to reduce traffic-related injuries and deaths - but eliminate them altogether. In this context, the key performance indicator (KPI) is not a decrease in injuries or deaths. It is ZERO. Bold. Impactful. Understandable.

Consistent, incremental data inputs and monitoring leads to superior readiness

Consistent, incremental data inputs and monitoring leads to superior readiness

Consistent, incremental data inputs and monitoring leads to superior readiness

All things great start small. Daily, we interacted with local agencies, continually conducted traffic safety research, and monitored regional traffic systems performance - all of which prepared us when the opportunity arrived to draft Vision Zero policy, quickly and effectively. This preparedness provided the foundation for a comprehensive project scope of work to create the user-friendly countywide Vision Zero Framework and "toolbox" that is now readily available for local agencies to implement better traffic safety measures.

© 2025 James Hinkamp

© 2025 James Hinkamp

© 2025 James Hinkamp