Cape Cod Vision Zero Action Plan released for public comment 

Strategies to reduce and eliminate serious injury and fatal motor vehicle crashes on Cape Cod 

The Cape Cod Commission has released the draft Cape Cod Vision Zero Action Plan for a 21-day public comment period. The Vision Zero Action Plan is a comprehensive safety action plan to reduce and eliminate serious injury and fatal motor vehicle crashes affecting all roadway users on Cape Cod by 2050. Informed by extensive public outreach, the Plan was developed in close coordination with all 15 towns and the Vision Zero Advisory Committee. 

People in Barnstable County continue to lose their lives in traffic crashes. Eighty-one fatal crashes and 644 serious injury crashes occurred in Barnstable County from 2018 to 2023, an average of 14 fatalities and 107 serious injuries per year. “Every crash statistic represents a person: a neighbor, friend, or family member. The Vision Zero Action Plan is a proactive response to a pressing issue impacting our region,” said Colleen Medeiros, Cape Cod Commission Transportation Program Manager. “Through community-driven solutions, strategic investments, collaboration, and dedication, we are working toward a future where zero is not just a goal but a reality.” 

The Vision Zero Action Plan presents a coordinated, data-driven approach to improving roadway safety across Cape Cod, with strategies tailored to the unique context of each of the region’s fifteen towns. For every town, the plan includes a detailed analysis of local crash patterns and a customized set of recommendations. These recommendations integrate proven engineering countermeasures, systemic safety strategies, and non-engineering initiatives that address both infrastructure and behavioral causes of crashes. Key focus areas include speed management, roadway departures, intersections and driveways, pedestrian and bicyclist safety. Within each focus area, effective engineering strategies are identified to reduce fatal and serious injury crashes. 

The completion of the Vision Zero Action Plan positions the region to pursue implementation funding through the US Department of Transportation Safe Streets for All Program. In collaboration with Cape Cod towns, the Cape Cod Commission is working on an implementation grant focused on non-motorist safety and speed management. With strong leadership and sustained engagement, Cape Cod has the potential to see meaningful reductions in the most severe roadway crashes. 

Public comments are being accepted through June 13, 2025 and can be submitted via mail to: Cape Cod Commission, 3225 Main Street, Barnstable MA 02630, via email: transportation@capecodcommission.org or by fax to 508-362-3136.  
 
View the draft Cape Cod Vision Zero Action Plan: www.capecodcommission.org/vision-zero