Arizona City’s Pedestrian Safety Effort Fails

Phoenix, Ariz. officials failed to advance an effort that aimed to reduce pedestrian deaths by improving street safety in the city.

The Phoenix City Council voted 4-4 this week on the motion to direct city staff to develop a strategy toward eliminating pedestrian deaths.

The failed motion would have authorized the city to work toward adopting Vision Zero, a pedestrian safety project adopted in dozens of cities across the country, including Tempe.

Council members cited concerns that Vision Zero could lead to increased traffic congestion by forcing the city enact certain safety measures, like lower speed limits and narrower streets.

City staff told the council that the Tuesday vote wouldn’t have committed the city to a specific a plan yet.