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A resolution recommending implementation of certain transportation system safety policies in furtherance of Vision Zero.
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WHEREAS, Vision Zero is a strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries while increasing safe, healthy, and equitable mobility for all; and,
WHEREAS, on January 18, 2020, Mayor Cooper announced his administration’s commitment to Vision Zero to help eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries in Nashville and Davidson County; and,
WHEREAS, Vision Zero is a strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries while increasing safe, healthy and equitable mobility for all; and,
WHEREAS, the Metro Nashville WalknBike Strategic Plan of 2017 recommended the completion of a Vision Zero plan, and in January, 2020, Mayor Cooper announced his administration's commitment to Vision Zero in Nashville and Davidson County, and the Metro Council is represented on the Vision Zero Task Force Steering Committee;
WHEREAS, committing to Vision Zero requires implementing policies that require the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County (“Metro”) strategies and transportation safety policies, allowing the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County (“Metro”) to shape to engineer its transportation and mobility infrastructure around for the safety and well-being of all residents and all modes of travel; and,
WHEREAS, implementation of a quick-build policy by the Metropolitan Department of Finance, Procurement Division, would enable Metro to deliver quick-build projects in a more efficient and expedited manner by streamlining project delivery; and,
WHEREAS, implementation of a crosswalk policy would provide a framework with procedures for installation, enhancement, removal and relocation of crosswalks throughout Nashville and Davidson County, with specific guidance on crosswalks near bus stops; and,
WHEREAS, implementation of a fatal crash investigative team led by the Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure (“NDOT”) in connection with Metro Nashville Police Department (“MNPD”) would enable Metro to evaluate the engineering, environmental, vehicle, and behavioral factors for deadly crashes; and,
WHEREAS, advancing these polices and ensuring the success of Vision Zero is in the best interest of the citizens of the Metropolitan Government and Davidson County.
WHEREAS, implementation of a multi-disciplinary working group led by the Nashville Department of Transportation & Multimodal Infrastructure ("NDOT"), working in concert with the fatal crash investigative team of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department Traffic Division, would enable NDOT to consistently evaluate and address engineering factors in deadly and severe-injury crashes; and
WHEREAS the draft Vision Zero Plan will be released for public comment on December 15, 2020 and advancing complimentary policies now will be compatible with that work and lay the foundation for Vision Zero efforts; and
WHEREAS, implementing and reporting on these and other Vision Zero policies and goals, and organizing staff and work flow to manage processes that deliver timely infrastructure improvement and safety results is in the best interest of the citizens of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That the Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recommending that the Finance Department, Division of Procurement, examine current law, in consultation with the Metro Legal Department, to determine the legality of a quick-build policy and if feasible, implement the same.
Section 2. That the Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recommending that the Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure implement a cross walk policy with framework with procedures for installation, enhancement, removal and relocation of crosswalks throughout Nashville and Davidson County.
Section 3. That the Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recommending that the Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure, in connection with the Metro Nashville Police Department, formalize a multi-disciplinary work group and referral process in concert with the fatal crash investigative team of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department Traffic Division to evaluate the enable NDOT to address engineering, environmental, vehicle, and behavioral factors for all deadly and severe-injury crashes.
Section 4. That the Metropolitan Clerk is authorized to send a copy of this resolution to Department of Finance, Procurement Division Director, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, Traffic Division, the Metropolitan Legal Department Director and the Nashville Department of Transportation and Multimodal Infrastructure.
Section 5. That NDOT will report to the Metropolitan Council on the recommendations of this resolution on or before March 1, 2022.
Section 56. That this resolution shall take effect from and after its final passage, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville & Davidson County requiring it.