City of Madison marks World Day of Remembrance for road traffic victims

In recognition of World Day of Remembrance on November 16th, the City of Madison has installed a memorial to remember the victims of traffic fatalities. It will be on display in Olbrich Park near the intersection of Atwood Avenue and Walter Street through the weekend. Over the past five years, there have been 67 traffic deaths in Madison.

“I’m committed to Madison being an exceptionally safe city. Even one life lost on our streets is one too many. It’s important to bring attention to traffic fatalities because we as a community can prevent these tragedies,” Mayor Satya Rhodes-Conway, said at a press conference to dedicate the memorial. “Everyone deserves to travel through and around our City safely, no matter their mode of transportation.”

Madison became a Vision Zero community in 2020 and is striving to use a data-driven approach to eliminate all traffic deaths and serious injuries on city streets by the year 2030.

“Our actions affect the everyday lives of everyone around us,” said Yang Tao, Director of the City’s Traffic Engineering Division. “We need to be attentive and aware when we are behind the wheel, because distraction or driving under the influence can have life altering effects on more than just ourselves.” 

At Wednesday’s press conference details were provided on key projects advancing Madison’s Vision Zero goal, including:  

• Safe Streets Madison Program: This new infrastructure program serves as an implementation arm for Madison’s Vision Zero Initiative to make safety improvements in a fair way across the City, with a focus on High Injury Network and infrastructure gaps for vulnerable road users.

• Atwood Avenue Reconstruction: This major reconstruction highlights bicycle and pedestrian safety with improved off-street bike and pedestrian paths, raised crosswalks, roadway narrowing and overall improved pavement markings.