We, Bike Walk Cleveland, have dedicated our efforts since 2017 towards making our city a safer place to commute for everyone, no matter their chosen form of transport. We've witnessed a distressing rise in the number of cyclist and pedestrian injuries and fatalities due to the current state of our roadways. The time for change is now, to make it safer to walk, bike and drive in Cleveland, TN.

We appeal to the city to adopt a Vision Zero policy, a strategy pioneered in Sweden in the late 90s, which has seen success in decreasing road casualties. This policy recognizes that human lives and health are prioritized over mobility and other objectives of the road traffic system. Alongside this, we urge the city to hire a multimodal/vision zero coordinator whose primary task will be to ensure the safety of all road users.

Cities across United States like New York have successfully implemented the Vision Zero policy, leading to a considerable decrease in traffic-related accidents. In 2014, New York witnessed a record low in pedestrian fatalities after adopting this comprehensive road safety policy (source: New York Department of Transportation). 

Nearby Knoxville has also been working on implementing a vision zero policy . We would like Cleveland to lead the way for small cities to implement these changes and make our roadways safer. We believe all roadway deaths are tragic and it is time we take action.

By adopting a Vision Zero policy and employing a multimodal/vision zero coordinator, we can make our Cleveland roadway system safe for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians alike. This not only ensures a safer commute but a better quality of life for everyone in Cleveland, TN.

To prevent any further unnecessary injuries or loss of life, we plead for immediate action. Sign this petition to help us make Cleveland's roadways safer for everyone. Your voice is needed now more than ever.