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Last Friday, we had the chance to sponsor and attend the Vision Zero PHL Conference, hosted by our longtime partners at the Bicycle Coalition at Temple University. The day brought together public officials, advocates, healthcare professionals, and community members to talk about one shared goal: making Philly’s streets safer for everyone.
What is Vision Zero?
As the Vision Zero Alliance puts it:
“The goal of Vision Zero is to dramatically reduce the number and severity of traffic crashes that occur in Philadelphia each year, with a long term goal of eventually eliminating all traffic deaths. Vision Zero policies aim to make all road users feel safe and comfortable using the street. Traffic crashes must never be considered inevitable.”
Why does it matter in Philly?
Vision Zero is important everywhere—but in Philly, the stakes are especially high.
- 80% of traffic deaths and serious injuries occur on just 12% of our streets.
- Traffic deaths in Philadelphia are three times higher than in New York City.
- Traffic deaths remain higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Read the full Vision Zero report here.
Why Jawnt Cares
As a Philly-based company focused on sustainable transportation, we believe cities should be safe and accessible, no matter how you get around.
The modes we champion, including buses, bikes, and trains, aren’t just more sustainable. They’re also safer. Vision Zero aligns deeply with our values as people who care about mobility, equity, and our communities.
What We Learned
We spent the day connecting with old friends and new faces—partners from the City and the University of Pennsylvania Health System, advocates from across sectors, and plenty of people just as obsessed with better transit as we are. Leo handed out postcards of his Philly transit photography, and we had a spin-the-wheel giveaway that brought some joy to serious conversations.
We also had a chance to listen in on several sessions. Here are two that stood out to us:
The Cost of Lives – The High Price of Dangerous Roads
Moderated by Kelley Yemen, Director of the Office of Multimodal Planning at City of Philadelphia, this session included moving stories from first responders and families who’ve lost loved ones. Nereda Jones-Pugh, a mother and advocate with Families for Safe Streets, spoke about her son, Nyier “Nas” Cunningham, who was killed in a hit-and-run in 2022. It was a heartbreaking reminder of why this work matters.
Walk Audit: Broad & Cecil B. Moore
Abbie joined a group walking audit around Temple’s campus to assess transit access and infrastructure. We noticed strong accessibility near campus, with opportunities for better signage and bus shelters in places. Some folks pointed out how much better transit access and infrastructure was near campus compared to surrounding neighborhoods. It sparked internal conversations about how we show up for our local communities, and the role we play in advocating for safer, more equitable streets.
Take the Pledge
If this work sounds important to you, consider becoming a member of the Bicycle Coalition or taking the Vision Zero Pledge to slow down, choose safer modes, and spread the word in your neighborhood. Because safer streets benefit all of us.
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