Learning objectives:

• Understand the theory behind Sustainable Safety, which has driven widespread adoption of 30-km (20 mph) zones in the Netherlands
• Identify the principal elements necessary to design successful 30-km zones
• Examine how design standards might be revised to allow for new spatial forms in North America

This webinar explores the Dutch theory of Sustainable Safety (similar to Vision Zero) and the engineering and design principles underlying 30-km zones that permit different modes to share the streets safely. The session includes examples of shared street projects in North America, where these design principles have been adapted to local contexts.

Sustainable Safety is a safe systems approach used in the Netherlands to prevent serious crashes and severe injury. This approach has reduced fatal traffic crashes by 30 percent between 1998 and 2008. As the details of Vision Zero initiatives are being developed, North American planners can learn from the mistakes and successes of the Dutch.

The presentation introduces the underlying principles of Sustainable Safety and focuses on the design and engineering tools used to create streets where different modes can mix at speeds safe for all users. Case studies with both good and bad examples of 30-km zones are included; presenters also discuss examples of shared streets in North America.

Presenters:

• Dick van Veen, MSc. Eng, MSc. Arch, Mobycon BV
  
• Brice Maryman, Senior Landscape Architect, SvR Design