2026 Vision Zero Report: Assessing a decade of Vision Zero in Boston, Cambridge & Somerville

A decade after Massachusetts cities began committing to Vision Zero, our analysis shows that these strategies are working. When paired with strong leadership, dedicated staff, reliable data, and sustained investment, Vision Zero policies lead to measurable reductions in serious crashes and fatalities.

This report examines 10 years of progress in Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville—highlighting what has worked, where progress has stalled, and what cities and state leaders must do next to keep people safe on our streets.

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What is Vision Zero?

Vision Zero is a road safety approach grounded in a simple idea: traffic deaths and serious injuries are preventable. By designing and managing streets to prioritize safety, cities can protect everyone, whether walking, biking, taking transit, or driving.

Key Findings

Somerville is emerging as a national leader. The city has seen a 50% drop in serious injury crashes, reported no pedestrian fatalities since 2022, and has gone three consecutive years without a fatal crash.
Boston is making progress, but pedestrian safety remains urgent. While bike crashes have declined and cyclist fatalities have dropped to zero in recent years, pedestrian deaths remain a critical concern.
Cambridge shows why bike and pedestrian safety must move together. Major investments in protected bike lanes have increased ridership, but rising pedestrian crashes highlight the need for a stronger, more balanced safety strategy.
Staffing, funding, and coordination are essential. Transportation staff, consistent funding, high-quality data, and stronger coordination with state agencies are all critical to sustaining progress.