Released: February 19, 2025
On February 19, 2025, Delaware County Council officially adopted a Vision Zero Action Plan, a comprehensive, data-driven initiative aimed at eliminating traffic fatalities and severe injury crashes on roadways. With this resolution, Delaware County becomes the first county in Pennsylvania to adopt a Vision Zero plan, reinforcing its commitment to making streets safer for everyone.
Vision Zero is a proactive approach to road safety that recognizes traffic deaths and severe injuries are preventable, not inevitable. The plan focuses on safer road design, lower speeds, equitable enforcement, and community education to ensure that everyone—whether driving, biking, walking, or using mobility devices—can travel safely.
“Traffic fatalities are not accidents—they are preventable,” said Delaware County Council Chair Dr. Monica Taylor. “Through this Vision Zero Action Plan, we are committing to policies and investments that prioritize safety and save lives. Our goal is clear: zero fatalities, zero serious injuries, and safer streets for all.”
Delaware County Planning Department Director Gina Burritt emphasized the significance of Vision Zero, explaining how this initiative shifts the focus from reactive safety measures to a proactive, system-wide approach.
“Vision Zero challenges us to rethink how we approach road safety,” Burritt said. “Instead of placing the burden on individuals to ‘be more careful,’ we look at the whole system—road design, speed limits, and infrastructure—to prevent crashes from happening in the first place.”
A Collaborative Approach to Safer Streets
Unlike some counties that directly own and manage roads, Delaware County does not own or maintain roadways—a responsibility that falls primarily to local municipalities and PennDOT. However, the Vision Zero Action Plan provides a clear, data-driven framework that municipalities can adopt to implement safety improvements in their communities.
The Delaware County Planning Department will work closely with municipalities by providing guidance, technical support, and resources to help implement the plan’s recommendations. By partnering with local governments, the County aims to coordinate safety strategies, improve infrastructure, and secure funding opportunities to make roads safer for all residents.
Planning Department Director Gina Burritt and Infrastructure Planner Cathy Spahr presented the plan to Council prior to its adoption, highlighting how it identifies high-risk roadways, crash patterns, and key strategies for improving safety.
“Behind all of the data are people—people who just want to go home to their families at the end of the day,” said Director Burritt. “We want to ensure that everyone who drives, walks, or rolls in and through Delco can do that safely. This plan gives municipalities the tools they need to make meaningful safety improvements in their communities.”
Infrastructure Planner Cathy Spahr, who has led much of the County’s work on multimodal transportation, stressed that safety improvements must be integrated into everyday planning and decision-making.
“Safety isn’t just a transportation issue—it’s a public health issue,” Spahr said. “By prioritizing Vision Zero in our policies, we’re ensuring that safety is built into our roads and intersections, not just an afterthought.”
A Community-Driven Vision
The Vision Zero Action Plan was developed through an extensive community engagement process. A team of 16 Safety Ambassadors, along with the Delaware County Planning Department, conducted outreach across the County, gathering feedback from over 2,310 residents. Engagement efforts included:
Community input played a key role in shaping the plan, with 20 of the 43 recommendations in the Safety Action Plan stemming directly from public feedback.
“Vision Zero is more than just a plan—it’s a shift in how we think about road safety,” said Council Member Elaine Paul Schaefer. “By taking a proactive approach to engineering, enforcement, and education, we are working toward a future where no one loses their life in a preventable crash. Our municipalities play a critical role in making this a reality, and the County is committed to supporting them every step of the way.”
Vision Zero in Action: 43 Steps Toward Safer Roads
The Vision Zero Action Plan includes 43 specific recommendations to reduce traffic injuries and fatalities in Delaware County. Of these, 11 initiatives are already underway or will begin within the next year.
The plan prioritizes measures that enhance road safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike, with a focus on:
How to Get Involved
Residents can learn more about the Vision Zero Action Plan and ways to support safer streets in Delaware County by visiting the Vision Zero Action Plan project website.