January 17, 2020

Re: Reports S 201/2019 – Vision Zero Policy Implementation & S 236/2019 Electric Kick-Scooter PilotCity Wide

To Mayor Dilkens and Member of City Council,

On behalf of the Windsor-Essex Road Safety Working Group (WERSWG), I am writing this letter to state support for these two endeavours in principle, as outlined in the recommendations.

I would ask that the Windsor Essex Road Safety Working Group (WERSWG) be invited as one of the community groups in the Vision Zero Stakeholder Group. I remind you that the WERSWG was created in response to maintain the City of Windsor's Safe Communities designation through Parachute. Our working group has stated in our terms of reference that one of our principles is that we are, '-committed to adhering to the principles of Vision Zero which aims to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries on streets and roads to create a safe and healthy community.' Also, the work that our group accomplishes can be used to support the Safe City Windsor designation, yet 'the group serves the entire region where our citizens live, work, and play'. I speak confidently on behalf of our group that we would hope that in time the entire Windsor Essex region commits to Vision Zero.

It is hoped that the E-Scooter pilot is discussed with our working group in more depth. Early discussions praise the helmets for all stance taken. It will be important to capture any injury data, enforcement violations, and ensure that proper education is given to e-scooter users. The City may wish to consider the condition of the surface conditions that E-Scooters use. A U.S. study notes that half of those that were injured and then interviewed reported the road surface condition (i.e. potholes and cracks) contributed to their injuries. MTO's Best Practice document around E-Scooters that is attached aligns well to what has been considered for the City of Windsor's pilot.

The WERSWG's purpose since 2018 has been to reduce on and off-road transportation collisions that result in serious injuries and fatalities in Windsor-Essex County. The City of Windsor staff that support our working group are valuable with their annual reports, participation in initiatives, and insight around ongoing road safety projects. Supporting the Vision Zero Procedure in developing an Action Plan would enhance the work that the working group is already doing.

In closing, WERSWG thanks you for receiving this letter that supports the recommendations brought forward by your administration and for considering a perspective I have outlined early.

Sincerely, Cindy Gignac Chair of the WERSWG