People walking, biking and riding motorcycles account for less than 7 percent of Austin's commute travel but over half of all traffic deaths. Now, the city of Austin is fighting back with its Walk and Bike Talks events.
The talks are part of the city's Vision Zero plan, the goal of which is to reduce traffic deaths and serious injuries to zero by 2025.
Wednesday's event at the Spicewood Springs library included interactive displays for neighbors to submit information. There was also a spot set up to contribute online, as more than 3,500 Austinites have so far, with the Vision Zero Input Map.
Users can select their mode of travel, choose from a preset list of concerns or add their own, and provide additional details.
11-year-old Henry Benz is concerned about his school commute next year.
"I want to be able to bike there or walk there with my friends," Benz said. "But of course we can't do that, we have to get picked up by a bus because there's no cross walks."
Laura Dierenfield is with the Austin Transportation Department. She said, "This is really a way to empower the community to bring ideas forward on how we can improve safety and also improve comfort. Because really at the end of the day the more people that walk and bike in Austin the safer the community will be for everyone."
Austin police say there have been 14 deadly traffic crashes so far in 2017. Unfortunately, that is not unique. At this time in 2016, there were also 14 deadly traffic crashes and 14 traffic fatalities.
If you have ideas on how to add to the city's plan to bring that number to zero, find out how to submit them here.