I think the anecdote applies for some cities committing to Vision Zero plans - for example NYC has data showing fatalities decreasing (page 13: https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/visionzero/downloads/pdf/vision-... ), though injuries might be the same or increasing ( https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2019/02/04/bloody-january-cyclis... )

But it isn't perfect - SF fwiw has had more pedestrian fatalities this year though they've had reductions in the prior couple years ( https://www.visionzerosf.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/06.2... )

Also average vehicle miles travelled in the US is up ( https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/M12MTVUSM227NFWA/ ), and so are nationwide pedestrian fatalities: https://usa.streetsblog.org/2019/01/23/the-bible-belt-should...

Ride-hailing usage over transit may be part of the problem: https://steps.ucdavis.edu/new-research-ride-hailing-impacts-... ) .