What Is ROC Vision Zero?
Vision Zero is a strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and severe injuries while promoting safe, healthy, and equitable mobility for all.
Vision Zero differs from other approaches in two key aspects:
Acknowledging that human error is inevitable, Vision Zero advocates for road system designs and policies that minimize the chances of such errors leading to severe outcomes. This entails improving roadway environments, implementing speed management policies, and enhancing related systems to reduce crash severity.
Vision Zero takes a multidisciplinary approach, involving various stakeholders to tackle this complex issue. It addresses multiple factors influencing safe mobility, such as roadway design, speeds, behaviors, technology, and policies.
City of Rochester Active Transportation Plan
The Rochester Active Transportation Plan (Roc ATP) is an initiative to make Rochester streets safer and more accessible for people who walk, ride bikes, and/or take public transportation.
This project centered equity by engaging and uplifting the voices of people who live and work in Rochester’s most misrepresented communities. This project kicked off during the summer of 2022 and was completed in June 2023 and is now in the implementation phase. The Safe Streets for All (SS4A) is a project led by the City of Rochester and funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). This includes Pedestrian Safety Studies (for 25 areas in the City of Rochester), a Bicycle Network Rapid Implementation Study, a Protected Bike Lanes Demonstration Project and an Active Transportation Winter Maintenance Study
Partnering with Veo
The City of Rochester is committed to enhancing mobility for residents and visitors as we advance toward a future of sustainable, safe, and equitable transportation. The City partners with Veo, an independent shared mobility company that operates a mixed fleet of shared e-scooters and e-bikes.
Devices are distributed throughout neighborhoods in each quadrant of the City. Veo employs a team of local staff who are responsible for distributing and maintaining the fleet and responding to any issues or complaints. In 2025 alone, Veo riders took nearly 600,000 trips in Rochester. In response to a 2025 rider survey, 63% of users agreed that the program makes it easier to live in the City, and 45% said they visit local businesses more often because of the program.
Speed Reduction
Studies show that reduced speeds create a safer community for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. Driving slower allows drivers more time and space to stop and more time to scan for pedestrians and bicyclists. Drivers who slow down have a greater ability to identify and avoid collisions with other objects.
Many cities around the US are now recognizing that speed is a critical element of reducing crashes, injury severity, and fatalities. New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, and Portland are among the cities that prioritize speed reduction as a primary way to prevent crashes.
Read the case study about Portland’s speed management program.
Driving at or below the posted speed limit is one easy way you can drive2Bbetter and make our roads safer for everyone.
“The facts are clear: Pedestrians and bicyclists are much less likely to be injured or killed when struck by a vehicle traveling at 30 mph than 40mph.”
High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk (HAWK)
DRIVERS:
Dark Signal - Proceed with Caution (if Clear)
Flashing Yellow - Slow Down (Button was Activated)
Solid Yellow - Prepare to Stop
Solid Red - Stop (Pedestrians in Crosswalk)
Flashing Red - Proceed with Caution if Clear (After Stop)
Dark Signal - Proceed with Caution (if Clear)
PEDESTRIANS:
Solid Don’t Walk - Wait (Activate Button to Cross)
Walk Sign - Proceed Crossing
Flashing Don’t Walk - Finish Crossing (Don’t Start)
Solid Don’t Walk - Wait (Activate Button to Cross)
Higher Insurance Rates
Using a hand-held mobile phone or electronic device while driving is illegal in New York State and can result in a ticket, fine and points on your license. Depending on past offenses, fines can range from $50 to $450 and five points on your license. Tickets and points will cause your insurance rates to increase. You can find updated ticketing information here.
