What would it take to make every street in Phoenix safe for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers alike? With traffic fatalities on the rise, the city has committed to Vision Zero, an ambitious initiative aimed at eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries.
This approach combines strategic infrastructure improvements, community-driven solutions, and data-informed planning to address the city’s unique road safety challenges. Phoenix’s journey toward safer streets is not only transforming how residents move through their city but also creating a blueprint for urban safety that prioritizes every road user’s well-being.
Why Phoenix Needed Vision Zero - Road Safety Challenges
Phoenix's adoption of the Vision Zero initiative stems from a pressing need to address escalating road safety challenges. In 2021, the city recorded 28,258 traffic collisions, resulting in 10,749 injuries and 253 fatalities. Pedestrian-related collisions, though comprising only 2% of all incidents, accounted for a disproportionate 37% of all traffic fatalities. This alarming trend underscores the vulnerability of non-motorized road users and highlights the critical need for targeted safety interventions.
Further compounding the issue, Arizona has consistently ranked among the most perilous states for pedestrians. In 2022, the state reported a pedestrian fatality rate of 4.17 per 100,000 people, the second-highest in the nation. This statistic reflects broader systemic issues, including infrastructure inadequacies and driver behavior patterns that compromise pedestrian safety.
The Vision Zero initiative aims to confront these challenges head-on by implementing comprehensive strategies designed to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries, thereby fostering a safer environment for all road users.
Key Steps Phoenix Has Taken So Far
Innovative Bike Signals Lead the Way for Safer Streets
Phoenix has implemented a series of strategic measures to improve road safety for cyclists, pedestrians, and all road users. One significant upgrade was the city’s first bike-specific traffic signal, installed at 12th Street and Campbell Avenue.
This signal includes a Leading Bicycle Interval, giving cyclists a head start before vehicles move, reducing the risk of collisions at busy intersections. Additional intersection redesigns have also been rolled out, featuring more visible crosswalks and new dedicated bike lanes, all part of Phoenix's efforts to make roads safer and more accessible for non-vehicular traffic.
Red-Light Cameras Make a Comeback to Curb Dangerous Driving
In October 2024, Phoenix took another bold step by approving the reinstallation of red-light cameras at 10 high-risk intersections. This decision came in response to alarming crash statistics from previous years.
According to data, intersections equipped with red-light cameras saw a 31% reduction in red-light crashes, and even more remarkably, crashes in monitored directions decreased by 57% between 2001 and 2019. These cameras are expected to help curb dangerous driving behaviors that put pedestrians and cyclists at high risk.
PhxCAN Engages Local Communities in Road Safety Initiatives
Phoenix has also fostered stronger community involvement through its Phoenix Connected Active Neighborhoods (PhxCAN) initiative. This program works closely with residents in each of the city’s 15 urban villages to address localized safety needs.
Projects identified through PhxCAN are on a fast track, with implementation within one to two years, demonstrating Phoenix's commitment to delivering immediate improvements. The focus for late 2024 into mid-2025 is on neighborhoods like Maryvale and Alhambra, where changes are expected to enhance walkability and safety.
How Phoenix Residents Can Get Involved
Phoenix residents play a very important role in advancing the city's Vision Zero goals. One effective way to contribute is by participating in the Phoenix Connected Active Neighborhoods program, which engages community members in identifying and addressing local transportation safety concerns. By attending meetings and providing input, residents can influence the development of projects tailored to their neighborhoods, with implementation timelines ranging from one to two years.
While Phoenix's Vision Zero efforts aim to significantly reduce accidents, pedestrian injuries can still occur. If you or someone you know is involved in an accident, consulting a Phoenix pedestrian accident attorney can help navigate the legal process and ensure your rights are protected.
Residents can also stay informed and involved by attending Vision Zero Community Advisory Committee meetings. These meetings offer a platform to discuss ongoing and upcoming road safety initiatives and provide feedback directly to city officials. Meeting schedules and participation details are available on the City of Phoenix's official website. By actively engaging in these opportunities, Phoenix residents can help shape a safer and more walkable city for all.
What’s Next for Vision Zero in Phoenix: Exciting Plans and Future Goals
Active Transportation Plan Brings a Long-Term Vision for Bike Lanes
Looking to the future, Phoenix is focused on expanding its Vision Zero goals through the Active Transportation Plan, which was approved in May 2023 as an upgrade to the 2014 Bicycle Master Plan.
This new plan not only emphasizes safer infrastructure but aims to add a staggering 1,080 miles of new bike lanes by 2050. This ambitious vision aligns with Phoenix’s Transportation 2050 Plan, reflecting the city’s dedication to building a more accessible, bike-friendly environment across neighborhoods.
Major Safety Overhaul Planned for Indian School Road
Another major project on the horizon is an extensive safety enhancement along Indian School Road, spanning from 91st to 39th Avenue. With a $24.96 million federal grant, Phoenix will introduce pedestrian hybrid beacons, upgraded crosswalks, and additional safety infrastructure along this high-traffic corridor.
These enhancements are expected to significantly reduce pedestrian and cyclist accidents in an area known for its busy intersections and heavy foot traffic.
Data-Driven Road Safety Action Plan to Target Citywide Risks
Phoenix is also developing a comprehensive Road Safety Action Plan, which leverages data-driven analysis to identify and tackle safety risks across the city. This initiative includes the support of an 11-member Vision Zero Community Advisory Committee, which plays an active role in offering recommendations and ensuring community needs are addressed in each stage of RSAP implementation.
With these forward-looking projects, Phoenix is steadily working toward a future where roads are safer and more accessible for all residents, aligning with its Vision Zero goal of eliminating traffic fatalities and serious injuries.
How These Changes Impact Daily Life
The implementation of Phoenix's Vision Zero initiatives has led to tangible improvements in daily life for residents. The installation of bike-specific traffic signals, such as the one at 12th Street and Campbell Avenue, has enhanced safety for cyclists by reducing collision risks at busy intersections. The reinstallation of red-light cameras at 10 high-risk intersections has contributed to a 31% reduction in red-light running crashes, fostering a safer environment for all road users.
Community engagement through programs like PhxCAN has empowered residents to address local safety concerns, leading to tailored solutions that improve walkability and accessibility. These efforts have not only enhanced safety but also encouraged more active lifestyles, as residents feel more confident walking or cycling in their neighborhoods.
The city's commitment to expanding bike lanes and improving pedestrian infrastructure aligns with the Active Transportation Plan, aiming to add 1,080 new bike lane miles by 2050, further promoting sustainable and healthy modes of transportation.
Conclusion
What does it take to create a safer, more accessible city for all? Phoenix’s commitment to Vision Zero represents a comprehensive answer - investing in targeted infrastructure, fostering community involvement, and prioritizing data-driven solutions to eliminate traffic fatalities.
The city’s advancements, from bike-specific traffic signals to red-light cameras and expanded bike lanes, mark significant steps toward a future where pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers can share the roads more safely. By continuing to participate and stay engaged, residents of Phoenix can help drive this transformation, making their city a national model for road safety and walkable urban living.
