In 2020, the City of Urbana passed a resolution called Vision Zero, setting a goal of zero traffic related deaths or serious injuries by 2030. A group of community members, People for Safe Streets, is working to help make that a reality in Urbana and throughout Champaign County. From their website:
More than half of all road traffic deaths are among vulnerable road users: pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Pedestrians, cyclists, and riders of motorized 2- and 3-wheelers and their passengers are collectively known as “vulnerable road users” and account for half of all road traffic deaths around the world. In this country deaths from roadway crashes for people in motorized vehicles has been declining while crashes that result in the death of a pedestrian or cyclist have been going up. It is possible to change this and that is what People for Safe Streets is working to do.
They are looking to engage the public in the process, by learning where you see problem locations for walking and biking.
If you head to their website, you’ll find an interactive map and a survey on the home page where you can share your thoughts and experiences with walking and biking in C-U. There is an additional survey that will provide input to the Urbana Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Commission. Your participation in these will help inform plans for making the streets more safe.