Nicole Rodriguez petitions Phoenix City Council for high visibility crosswalks and stop bars

Phoenix City Council is poised to address critical pedestrian safety concerns following a citizen petition presented during the formal meeting on May 7, 2025. Resident Nicole Rodriguez urged the council to implement new policies aimed at enhancing crosswalk visibility and safety, emphasizing the urgent need for action within 15 days.

Rodriguez's petition calls for the Street Transportation Department to update city guidelines to mandate high-visibility crosswalk markings, such as zebra stripes and perpendicular bar sharpening, at both signalized and unsignalized pedestrian crossings. This initiative aligns with the Federal Highway Administration's recommendations and the city's own Complete Streets guidelines.

The petition is backed by alarming statistics from the city's annual road safety report, which highlights that over 30,000 individuals are seriously injured in traffic incidents each year, with nearly 90 fatalities, including over 100 pedestrian deaths. Notably, 44% of fatal crashes involve pedestrians, and a significant portion of these incidents occurs at signalized intersections. Despite these figures, many crosswalks in Phoenix still utilize low-visibility markings, which do not meet federal standards.

Rodriguez's request follows the Phoenix City Council's commitment in September 2022 to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2050, supported by an annual allocation of $10 million for safety improvements. The Division 0 Community Advisory Committee has already recommended discontinuing low-visibility crosswalks in favor of more effective designs.

The council's response to this petition could lead to significant changes in pedestrian safety measures across the city, reflecting a proactive approach to addressing the pressing issue of traffic-related injuries and fatalities. As the council considers these recommendations, the community awaits a decisive action plan that prioritizes the safety of all road users.