Hoboken’s Vision Zero Action Plan in 2024
In 2021, Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla outlined the initial Vision Zero Action Plan for Hoboken— an ambitious initiative aimed at eliminating all traffic-related injuries and fatalities by 2030. Through a combination of data-driven analysis, community engagement, and policy reform, the city sought to create a safer and more equitable transportation network for all road users. Through the development and implementation of this plan, Bike Hoboken has been a consistent community stakeholder and has managed aspects of the action items.
Understanding Vision Zero
Vision Zero is a global movement that began in Sweden in 1997 with the belief that traffic deaths and injuries are preventable through systematic changes. Hoboken incorporated pieces from its 2018 Master Plan Examination Report and the 2019 Hoboken Complete Streets Design Guide along with the Vision Zero framework to prioritize street safety over vehicular efficiency.
The core philosophy of Vision Zero is to anticipate human error and design streets that minimize the risk of severe injuries. The plan was built on six key focus areas:
Safe Streets – Infrastructure improvements such as protected bike lanes, high-visibility crosswalks, and pedestrian-friendly intersections.
Safe Speeds – Implementation of lower speed limits and traffic-calming measures.
Safe Vehicles – Encouraging smaller, safer vehicles and modern crash reduction technologies.
Safe Behaviors – Promoting education and enforcement strategies to reduce reckless driving.
Post-Crash Investigation and Care – Improving emergency response and victim support systems.
Data-Driven Decisions – Using real-time data to continuously refine safety strategies.
Crash Analysis Findings
Through the development of the Action Plan, a comprehensive analysis of crashes in Hoboken between 2014 and 2018 revealed key patterns:
Over 4,400 crashes occurred, with 13 resulting in serious injury or death.
Pedestrians and cyclists accounted for only 8% of crashes but made up 40% of severe injuries and fatalities.
The majority of pedestrian and bicycle crashes occurred in crosswalks at intersections.
Driver inattention was responsible for 71% of preventable crashes.
Vehicles hitting parked cars accounted for 30% of all collisions.
These findings underscore the urgency of redesigning streets and enforcing safer driving practices.
Policy Initiatives
The Vision Zero Task Force, comprised of city officials, advocates, and residents, played a crucial role in shaping the action plan. Public outreach efforts, including surveys and virtual workshops, helped identify community concerns and priorities. Through this plan, Bike Hoboken created the Near Miss Reporting Tool, conducts traffic studies, and engages the community through safe streets events.
Key policy updates resulting from the plan include:
Reducing the citywide speed limit to 20 mph.
Enhancing enforcement against illegal parking in bike lanes and crosswalks.
Implementing data collection initiatives to track and address crash patterns.
Mandating safe driving training for city employees and ride-share drivers.
Establishing a Vision Zero Coordinator position to oversee implementation.
Implementation and Results
The City of Hoboken set a five-year timeline for the initial implementation of key strategies. Many infrastructure improvements, such as daylighting intersections and expanding the bike network, are already well underway. Future partnerships with local businesses, schools, and regional governments will further support the plan’s success.
In 2024, Hoboken and Jersey City were jointly awarded a $1M Safe Streets For All grant to update the Vision Zero Action Plan along with other street safety initiatives. Through this update, Hoboken confirmed 0 traffic deaths since Jan. 3, 2017, but acknowledged 235 injuries in 2024. We aim towards improvements to Hoboken’s transportation network, to continue the trend of zero deaths, but also reduce traffic injuries.
Hoboken’s Vision Zero Action Plan is more than just a policy document—it is a commitment to a cultural shift where traffic safety takes precedence. By making streets safer for the most vulnerable users, the city is paving the way for a more livable, walkable, and bike-friendly community. With sustained efforts and community participation, Hoboken is poised to set an example for cities nationwide in achieving zero traffic fatalities.