Street design plays a central role in ensuring the safety of all road users, a fact reinforced in the Complete Streets Design Guidelines released by the Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure earlier this month. The Guidelines explicitly state that,
“Above all else, street design in Denver prioritizes the safety of people, with an emphasis on protecting vulnerable users—such as people walking, rolling, and bicycling. The City has a target of zero traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2030. The Guidelines are central to achieving that goal.”
It’s essential that Mayor Hancock consider the relationship between the Fire Department, Vision Zero and street design as he prepares to appoint a new fire chief. Fire departments have historically resisted modernizing street design to increase visibility, shorten crosswalk length, and slow driver speeds at intersections, claiming that these proven safety enhancements will slow emergency response time. This doesn’t have to be the case: after Portland added numerous safety measures for people walking, biking, rolling and driving, the chief of the Portland Fire Department noted, “There has been no reduction in response times by working with urban planners and transportation leaders to build out Portland.”
Also, the street designs outlined in Denver’s Guidelines will dramatically reduce the likelihood of serious crashes, thereby reducing the overall need for emergency response. According to DFD’s most recent annual report, the department is dispatched to more crashes than fires. These are preventable incidents — designing roadways, managing speeds, and setting policies that prioritize safety are proven solutions to reducing traffic violence.
The qualifications identified above are well reflected in the leadership of fire departments in peer cities both nationally and internationally. Municipal leaders across the globe recognize the relationship between Vision Zero and fire department policies, reflecting a holistic, proactive, and preventative approach to public safety. The appointment of a new Denver fire chief reflects a historic opportunity to affirm Denver’s commitment to Vision Zero and prioritize the safety of Denver residents and visitors.
Send an email to Mayor Hancock urging him to appoint a fire chief who will fully embrace Vision Zero and make our streets safer and better for everyone.
Send an email here