Envisioning safer roads for Cape Cod  

Fatal crashes and serious injuries on Cape Cod’s roadways leave lasting impacts on families and communities. Every day, crashes disrupt lives, and too often, they result in tragedy. 

Between 2018 and 2023, nearly 30,000 crashes were reported on Cape Cod’s roads. These crashes resulted in 81 fatalities, including drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists ranging in age from 18 to 91. During this period, 665 serious injuries were also recorded. 

On average, 13 crashes occur every day, and a bicyclist or pedestrian is struck every three days.  

To address this, the Cape Cod Commission is developing a Vision Zero Action Plan to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries on the region’s roadways. The plan will include a systematic crash analysis and targeted solutions to address the root causes of crashes, focusing on protecting bicyclists, pedestrians, and other vulnerable road users. 

A Vision Zero Advisory Committee is guiding the plan’s development. The committee includes 19 representatives, including individuals from the Cape Cod Metropolitan Planning Organization and Cape Cod Joint Transportation Committee, along with local and regional elected officials, public safety leaders, and community advocates. 

Public input has been critical to this effort. Through an online comment portal, the Commission has received more than 800 comments identifying safety concerns, reporting crashes or near-misses, and suggesting improvements for specific locations. 

Leaders across Cape Cod are embracing Vision Zero principles and committing to prioritizing safety. In February, the Cape Cod Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Barnstable County Board of Regional Commissioners adopted an official Vision Zero goal to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries by 2050 and to reduce fatalities and serious injuries by 50% by 2035. This commitment ensures that Vision Zero principles will be integrated into transportation planning and investment decisions across the region. 

A series of public meetings to gather additional comments and review the draft plan will be scheduled this spring.  

The Commission is developing the Vision Zero Action Plan through the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program, a national initiative to improve road safety and prevent traffic fatalities. 

By working together—leaders, planners, and the community, Cape Cod can create a safer, more livable region for all road users. 

Learn more: www.capecodcommission.org/vision-zero