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

BlinkTag / C/CAG

BlinkTag / C/CAG

BlinkTag / C/CAG

Key Outcomes & Insights

Overhauled the baseline development site traffic impact metric to more accurately reflect total daily demand

Overhauled the baseline development site traffic impact metric to more accurately reflect total daily demand

Overhauled the baseline development site traffic impact metric to more accurately reflect total daily demand

California legislation, particularly Senate Bill 743, prompted a necessary rethinking of the prior Level of Service (LOS) metric to evaluate new land development traffic impacts.

In the face of time and budget constraints, be transparent with assumptions

In the face of time and budget constraints, be transparent with assumptions

In the face of time and budget constraints, be transparent with assumptions

Considering time and budget constraints, as part of updating this CMP we recognized and communicated that further analysis and consideration will be required in the near future to incorporate Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) as the baseline metric.

© 2024 James Hinkamp

© 2024 James Hinkamp

© 2024 James Hinkamp