The city of Durango is considering adopting a Vision Zero policy. Vision Zero is a proven strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries. Having a Vision Zero policy in place could provide access to grant funding and ultimately make our town safer.
However, I would also add that Vision Zero is not enough. Yesterday, I rode past the white cross on Animas View Drive that marks the spot where a pedestrian was killed in 2023. There have been no physical changes to that spot except that someone is taking the time to cut the grass around the cross and hang a fresh pair of white tennis shoes. There is nothing to prevent the same crash from happening again.
My point is not to shame the city but to point out that we are far better about collecting input and talking about things than actually making the built environment we drive, bike or walk through safer, and I am concerned that Vision Zero will be more of the same. I suggest that the city step up and actually demonstrate that we care more about people than cars and lower the citywide speed limit to 20 mph. This would be an actual move that would make our city a safer place and crashes more survivable for vulnerable road users. It wouldn’t even cost very much.
Make Vision Zero more than just words or grant applications. Let’s do something in the real world and lower the speed limit in our town.
Twenty is plenty.
Alan Millar
Durango
Editor’s note: The city has applied several techniques to make Animas View Drive safer for pedestrians. There have been speed cushions, additional signage and lighting to discourage speeding. And in mid-April, an automated speed enforcement camera was installed. That device sends the offending vehicle owner a ticket.