Attachment A - Pedestrian Safety Program Update

Agenda Date: 11/4/2020, Item No. 14
Pedestrian Safety Program Update
This report provides the Transportation, Infrastructure and Innovation Subcommittee
with an update on the Street Transportation Department’s (Streets) Office of
Pedestrian Safety activities.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY.
Summary
To address pedestrian fatalities in Phoenix, the City Manager’s Office created the
Pedestrian Safety Task Force in 2018. Streets’ Office of Pedestrian Safety leads and
participates in the interdepartmental Pedestrian Safety Task Force, which includes
representatives of the Street Transportation and Police departments, the
Communications Office, and the City Manager's Office.
The Office of Pedestrian Safety has continued to seek funding for pedestrian safety
related grant opportunities, provide increased educational outreach to neighborhood
groups and residents, collect data on existing pedestrian safety infrastructure, increase
collaboration with outside agencies, and prioritize capital improvement projects with an
emphasis on pedestrian safety.
Pedestrian Fatalities
Preliminary numbers from the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) show the
City of Phoenix experienced 86 pedestrian fatalities on its roads in 2019. These
preliminary numbers represent an increase of 28 percent over the past five years
(2015 to 2019) and an increase of 91 percent over the past 10 years (2010 to 2019).
Yet these numbers also show a decrease of 17 percent in pedestrian fatalities between
2018 and 2019.
Preliminary partial year data for 2020 indicates that Phoenix has seen a decrease in
pedestrian fatalities compared to a year ago. The Phoenix Police Department
Vehicular Homicide Unit has reported 37 fatalities from Jan. 1 to Aug. 31, 2020. This is
a 36 percent decrease from the 58 fatalities reported during the same time period in
2019.
Page 1 of 4
Attachment A
Transportation, Infrastructure and Innovation 
Subcommittee
Report

Agenda Date: 11/4/2020, Item No. 14
Pedestrian Safety Funding and Improvements
To address the increase in pedestrian fatalities throughout the City of Phoenix, City
Council authorized Streets to allocate $2 million in ongoing, annual Capital
Improvement Program (CIP) funding to the Office of Pedestrian Safety to provide
continuous funding to implement pedestrian-related safety improvements. Fiscal Year
(FY) 2020 was the first year these funds were programmed.
Streets’ Office of Pedestrian Safety utilizes the four "E"s of traffic safety to continue to
enhance pedestrian safety in Phoenix: Evaluation, Engineering, Education, and
Enforcement. In reference to Evaluation, Engineering, and Education, the following
provides an overview of the activities undertaken by the Office of Pedestrian Safety to
date and future activities. It should be noted that Enforcement activities are conducted
by the Police Department with input from Streets.
FY 2020 Accomplishments
The Office of Pedestrian Safety funded and worked on several pedestrian safety
improvements in FY 2020.  Highlights are summarized below, but additional details on
the accomplishments of the Office of Pedestrian Safety, including progress and
projects, are detailed in Attachment A.
Engineering
HAWK Timing Adjustments
The Streets traffic signal team completed adjustments to the timing of all HAWK
signals throughout Phoenix to provide shorter wait times for pedestrians during non-
peak traffic hours. During peak hours, HAWK signals are synchronized with nearby
traffic signals, but these timing adjustments allow for HAWK signals to be activated
without delay during non-peak traffic hours.
Pedestrian Safety Devices
The Office of Pedestrian Safety developed a plan for the installation of new pedestrian
safety devices to create a more seamless design and construction process. As these
projects are typically implemented over multiple fiscal years, this part of the plan
involves utilizing funds from one fiscal year for design and funds from the next fiscal
year for construction.
In FY 2020, the Office of Pedestrian Safety prioritized the design of eight HAWK
signals and one traffic signal in high, mid-block pedestrian collision locations. The
locations are shown in Attachment A. The design and construction of these signals
are in various stages of design and construction, but all are anticipated to be
completed by the end of FY 2021. In addition, pedestrian safety funding was also used
for the construction of a traffic signal at 57th Drive and McDowell Road at the Academy
Page 2 of 4

Agenda Date: 11/4/2020, Item No. 14
of Math and Science - Desert Sky.
Streetlighting
The Office of Pedestrian Safety completed design of new streetlighting for a critical
half-mile segment along 27th Avenue between Bethany Home Road and Maryland
Avenue. Construction is planned for later this fiscal year. The team also began
designing an additional half-mile segment along Thomas Road between 32nd and 36th
Streets for construction in FY 2022.  Both segments have a high incidence of
pedestrian collisions over the past five years.
Pedestrian Refuge Median Islands
The Office of Pedestrian Safety designed two pedestrian refuge median islands. The
first location at 43rd Avenue south of Baseline Road was installed in May 2020. This
location aides school crossings at Legacy Traditional Charter School. The second
location on Buckeye Road just east of Sky Harbor Circle was designed, with
installation scheduled for completion in December 2020.
Crosswalk Upgrades
The Office of Pedestrian Safety upgraded 85 unsignalized crossing locations to
improve driver visibility of these crosswalks. Staff utilized resident requests and field
observations to add high visibility striping and yield lines, double-sided street signs,
and in some locations, additional streetlights and/or ADA ramp upgrades.
Education
Pedestrian Safety Activity Book
In FY 2020, the Office of Pedestrian Safety designed a Pedestrian Safety Activity Book
for children in grades three to six, which was also translated into Spanish. The team
printed 13,000 copies in English and 10,000 copies in Spanish.
Educational Events and Materials
The Office of Pedestrian Safety completed the Spanish translation and printed 10,000
copies of the Pedestrian Safety Activity Book, which is geared to elementary school-
aged children (in third through sixth grades).
The Office of Pedestrian Safety developed a six-week curriculum for pedestrian safety
to be delivered at elementary schools. This curriculum was provided for approximately
100 third graders at Mitchell Elementary School in Maryvale. Additional classes were
scheduled at other schools but were canceled due to COVID-19. Class sessions will
resume as soon as it is safe to do so.
Evaluation
Page 3 of 4

Agenda Date: 11/4/2020, Item No. 14
Partnerships for Research
As part of its evaluation efforts, Streets partnered with the Design Studio for
Community Solutions at Arizona State University (ASU). This partnership aims to
create a multi-pronged, interdisciplinary, and solutions-oriented engagement between
both institutions on the issue of curtailing pedestrian fatalities and serious injuries in
the City of Phoenix. This collaboration involved a variety of expert researchers from
ASU who conducted two research studies analyzing Phoenix’s pedestrian collision
data. The findings and recommendations of these studies are currently being reviewed
by Streets staff.
FY2021 Recommended Improvements
The Office of Pedestrian Safety’s plan for utilizing its FY 2021 funding is included in
Attachment B. The plan will continue to be focused on Engineering, Evaluation, and
Education, and highlights of the FY 2021 projects and efforts are shown below:
·
Improving pedestrian visibility by adding streetlights on both sides of a street where
only one-sided lighting exists;
·
Addressing gaps in pedestrian safety by adding single streetlights at existing
crosswalks, or in roadway segments, and improving crosswalk infrastructure;
·
Constructing five HAWK signals and one traffic signal at high pedestrian activity
and/or collision locations;
·
Designing six new HAWK signals and one traffic signal;
·
Installing raised pedestrian refuge median islands at locations with high pedestrian
activity;
·
Improving signalized crosswalk visibility and standardize citywide details for
pedestrian infrastructure;
·
Funding a safety analysis tool to aid in the identification, evaluation, and
prioritization of infrastructure installation projects; and
·
Creating educational videos to raise awareness of pedestrian safety.
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Mario Paniagua and Street
Transportation Department.
Page 4 of 4

FY 2020 Office of Pedestrian Safety Budget Accomplishments 
ENGINEERING 
Streetlighting: $250,000 
The Office of Pedestrian Safety completed the design of new streetlighting for a critical 
half-mile segment along 27th Avenue between Bethany Home Road and Maryland 
Avenue. Design has been completed, with construction planned for later this fiscal year. 
The Office of Pedestrian Safety also initiated design of new streetlighting for an 
additional half-mile segment along Thomas Road between 32nd Street and 36th Street. 
In the last five years, there have been three pedestrian fatalities and four incapacitating 
injuries during the nighttime hours in this segment of Thomas Road.  Construction is 
anticipated using FY 2021 funding and should be completed in FY 2022.  
HAWK and Traffic Signals: $780,000 
The Office of Pedestrian Safety initiated the design of HAWK and traffic signals at nine 
high-crash locations.  
Design work has been completed for three of these locations.  Construction is 
scheduled to be completed later this fiscal year using FY 2020 funding.    
•
7th Avenue and Cocopah Street (HAWK signal)
•
27th Avenue and Rovey Avenue (HAWK signal)
•
41st Street and McDowell Road (HAWK signal)
Design work is underway at six additional locations and is scheduled to be completed 
later this fiscal year. Construction is scheduled to be completed later this fiscal year 
using FY 2021 funding. 
•
7th Avenue near Pima Street (HAWK signal)
•
7th Avenue and Turney Avenue (HAWK signal)
•
20th Avenue and Indian School Road (Traffic signal)
•
43rd Avenue near Pinchot Avenue (HAWK signal)
•
43rd Avenue south of Rose Lane (HAWK signal)
•
Indian School Road near Amelia Avenue (HAWK signal)
The Office of Pedestrian Safety also constructed a traffic signal to signalize the 
crosswalk at the Academy of Math and Science – Desert Sky campus at 57th Drive and 
McDowell Road. Constructed has been completed and the signal was activated in 
October 2020.

FY 2020 Office of Pedestrian Safety Budget Accomplishments 
Pedestrian Refuge Median Islands: $100,000 
The Office of Pedestrian Safety designed two pedestrian refuge islands.  Installation 
has been completed at one location, with the other planned for later this fiscal year. 
•
43rd Avenue south of Baseline Road (completed)
•
Buckeye Road east of Sky Harbor Circle (installation in December 2020)
Crosswalk Upgrades: $607,000 
The Office of Pedestrian Safety initially planned to upgrade 55 unsignalized crossing 
locations to improve driver visibility. However, through resident requests and field 
observations, the Office of Pedestrian Safety upgraded 85 locations. The upgrades 
included high visibility striping and yield lines; double-sided street signs; and in some 
locations additional streetlights and/or ADA ramp upgrades.  
EDUCATION 
Pedestrian Safety Activity Book Design and Printing: $38,000 
The Office of Pedestrian Safety designed, translated to Spanish, and printed copies of 
our Pedestrian Safety Activity Book geared to elementary school-aged children (in third 
through sixth grades). Staff printed 13,000 copies of the book in English and 10,000 
copies in Spanish. 
Pedestrian Safety School Outreach: $0 
The Office of Pedestrian Safety developed a six-week school curriculum focused on the 
use of and teaching around the Pedestrian Safety Activity Book. Staff prioritized schools 
within ¼-mile of pedestrian “hotspot” locations in Phoenix to provide pedestrian safety 
education classes.  
In January 2020, the Office of Pedestrian Safety provided this curriculum for 
approximately 100 third graders at Mitchell Elementary School in Maryvale.  Additional 
teaching was scheduled at other schools, but due to COVID-19 were canceled.  Staff 
will work to reschedule with other schools as soon as it is safe to do so.

FY 2020 Office of Pedestrian Safety Budget Accomplishments 
EVALUATION 
Arizona State University Research: $50,000 
The Office of Pedestrian Safety worked with Arizona State University (ASU) to 
undertake two research studies investigating pedestrian crashes in Phoenix.  ASU has 
finalized studies with summaries of findings and recommendations.  These are currently 
under review by Office of Pedestrian Safety staff. 
UNOBLIGATED FUNDING 
FY 2020 Funds Carried Over to FY 2021: $175,000 
These funds were not obligated in FY 2020 but were carried over for use in FY 2021.  
The funds will be utilized for street lighting, pedestrian refuge median islands, and 
educational outreach materials.

FY 2021 Office of Pedestrian Safety Budget 
ENGINEERING 
Streetlighting for Half-Mile Single-Sided Segments: $250,000 
The Office of Pedestrian Safety is planning to fund the design of new streetlighting 
along 51st Avenue from Campbell Avenue to Camelback Road. In the last five years, 
two pedestrian fatalities and three incapacitating injuries have occurred during nighttime 
hours in this segment of 51st Avenue.  Construction is anticipated to be funded and 
completed in FY 2022.   
The Office of Pedestrian Safety will fund installation of new streetlighting along Thomas 
Road between 32nd Street to 36th Street. In the last five years, there have been three 
pedestrian fatalities and four incapacitating injuries during the nighttime hours in this 
segment of Thomas Road.  Construction would utilize FY 2021 funding and should be 
completed in FY 2022. 
HAWK and Traffic Signals: $939,000 
The Office of Pedestrian Safety will fund construction of HAWK and traffic signals at six 
high-crash locations. 
•
7th Avenue near Pima Street (HAWK signal)
•
7th Avenue and Turney Avenue (HAWK signal)
•
20th Avenue and Indian School Road (Traffic Signal)
•
43rd Avenue near Pinchot Avenue (HAWK signal)
•
43rd Avenue south of Rose Lane (HAWK signal)
•
Indian School Road near Amelia Avenue (HAWK signal)
The Office of Pedestrian Safety will also fund the design of six new HAWK signals and 
one traffic signal at high-crash mid-block locations. The locations will be determined and 
studied this fiscal year.  Construction is anticipated using FY 2022 funding and should 
be completed in FY 2022.  
Pedestrian Refuge Median Islands: $50,000 
The Office of Pedestrian Safety will fund design and construction of one pedestrian 
refuge median island at a location with high pedestrian activity. The location will be 
determined later this fiscal year.

FY 2021 Office of Pedestrian Safety Budget 
Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons Upgrade: $200,000 
The Office of Pedestrian Safety will upgrade rectangular rapid flashing beacons 
(RRFBs) at eight existing crosswalk locations with circular beacons. Circular beacons 
are larger and more visible to drivers.  The upgrade locations are: 
•
3rd Avenue and Merrell Street
•
7th Street and Monroe Street
•
12th Street and the Grand Canal
•
15th Avenue and the Grand Canal
•
40th Street and Danbury Road
•
48th Street and the Grand Canal
•
Oak Street and the Grand Canal
•
3221 West Van Buren Street
Crosswalk Upgrades: $146,000 
The Office of Pedestrian Safety will fund crosswalk location safety upgrades to enhance 
pedestrian infrastructure. These upgrades will include building or relocating ADA ramps, 
improving street markings and signage, and installing additional streetlights.  Locations 
will be determined throughout this fiscal year. 
Safety Standards: $50,000 
The Office of Pedestrian Safety will fund improvements to standard City details 
applicable to pedestrian crossing infrastructure, which will ensure consistency in how 
drivers and pedestrians see and interpret safety infrastructure. 
EDUCATION 
Outreach Videos: $50,000 
The Office of Pedestrian Safety will fund the development of four pedestrian safety 
educational videos.

FY 2021 Office of Pedestrian Safety Budget 
EVALUATON 
Safety Analysis Tool: $200,000 
The Office of Pedestrian Safety will fund the development of a traffic safety analysis 
tool. This tool will assist staff in the identification, evaluation, and prioritization of 
locations for pedestrian safety infrastructure improvements.  
OTHER 
Additional Pedestrian Safety Funding for Unanticipated Needs: $115,000 
The Office of Pedestrian safety will maintain funding to be initially set aside to address 
additional pedestrian safety needs that may come up during the fiscal year.