CSU Vision Zero
Rams Moving Safely
In an effort to keep Ram’s moving safely, the CSU Vision Zero program is committed to the safety of all transportation mode users on and near CSU’s Fort Collins campuses. The program’s interdisciplinary team works to improve transportation safety at CSU under the internationally recognized planning initiative, Vision Zero. The program is structured around a set of transparent initiatives based on data collection and reporting to improve enforcement, infrastructure, policy and standards, and education.
According to the Vision Zero Network, Vision Zero is a strategy to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries among all road users, while ensuring safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all.
History of Vision Zero at CSU
On Aug. 26, 2019, a CSU student was tragically struck by a motorist while jogging on Main Campus. The crash, followed by their death four days later, deeply saddened the university community and prompted CSU President Joyce McConnell to create a task force of university experts to study and assess safety regarding all modes of movement and transportation. The task force compiled and analyzed crash reports, enforcement statistics and consultant studies to identify specific trends, compliance issues, areas of heavy traffic, conflict, and mobility concerns to create a comprehensive plan: “Recommendations to Enhance Transportation Safety on Campus,” released in June 2020.
In the years following, the task force embraced the global “Vision Zero” movement to encompass its ongoing efforts to improve safety on CSU campuses. Groups that embrace Vision Zero agree to uphold a commitment to leadership, collaboration and accountability; data collection and analysis; equity and community engagement; and speed management.
The task force was involved in successful grant applications to fund safety and accessibility improvements at CSU, including the university’s first bicycle and pedestrian roundabout, expansion of dedicated paved trails, ADA sidewalk improvements and wayfinding. The task force hired a consultant to create new Complete Streets and Construction Detour guidelines for the university, along with mapping a conceptual review process, ensuring that safety and accessibility are considered in all new construction and remodels.
ASCSU signed a resolution to support Vision Zero on May 5, 2021.
The initial charge of the Vision Zero task Force was completed in Spring of 2023 and the task force was retired. In its place, a Vision Zero program is being developed to continue the coordination across university departments for a shared goal of safety within the transportation network.
Upcoming Initiatives
Public Reporter Tool and Safety Dashboard
A public-facing safety dashboard and a mobile reporter tool are in development which will allow CSU students, employees and visitors to note their transportation safety concerns on a map to be addressed and prioritized.
Vision Zero Committee
Recruitment will begin in Fall of 2024 for a committee representing stakeholders from the CSU community to help guide the work of the Vision Zero Program by identifying and prioritizing safety concerns within the transportation system and related projects.
Rapid Response Team
The Rapid Response Team is convened to visit the site of a serious crash within 48 hours of the incident and determine whether any immediate, temporary measures can be taken to improve the safety of that location. Longer-term infrastructure, policy, enforcement and educational considerations will be communicated to the Vision Zero leadership and committee for prioritization.
For additional information please contact
Erika Benti, Vision Zero Program Manager