Project 459968

Vehicle speeds in Canadian cities are excessive and dangerous for human health. Vulnerable road users- pedestrians and cyclists - account for increasing proportions of fatalities every year, especially in cities and in marginalized communities. Dangerous traffic, and vehicle-centric road design deter people from walking and cycling (active transportation) and impedes the health benefits of physical activity, neighbourhood quality of life and environmental sustainability. Canadian cities are piloting or implementing a variety of speed reduction strategies. With this research program, we will advance the field of implementation science by investigating the methods by which our 4 partner cities (Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, Surrey) take up evidence-based vehicle speed reduction interventions. Along with the tracking of the implementation process and the assessment of how and where interventions are implemented, we will examine multiple outcomes of speed reduction including injuries prevented, increases in active transportation and livable neighbourhoods. This work will encompass different urban contexts with an equity lens across ages and deprivation. The knowledge gained will be useful for our knowledge-users to promote safer roads and active neighbourhoods. This research comes at an opportune time to help "build back better" by addressing potential transportation mode shifts towards active transportation due to the COVD-19 pandemic.