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Scottsdale staff outline education pillar for transportation safety plan
Summary
Staff presented an education component for a Safe Systems–based transportation safety plan, emphasizing school programs, targeted outreach (young and older drivers), regional partnerships and measurement approaches including public surveys and metrics tied to crash reductions.
City transportation staff told the Scottsdale Transportation Commission on Sept. 18 that education will be a core pillar of the city’s Strategic Transportation Safety Plan, focusing on behavior change, school programs, targeted outreach, enforcement partnerships and measurable outcomes.
Nathan Domee (Transportation staff) framed education as part of a Safe Systems approach intended to reduce behavioral contributors to crashes, such as speeding, impaired and distracted driving and lack of occupant protection. Domee and colleague Susan said education campaigns will include school‑based programs (Safe Routes to School), targeted outreach to young drivers and seniors, bicycle and pedestrian safety events, and collaboration with regional partners such as MAG and Valley Metro.
Why this matters: Staff said many serious crashes have behavioral elements, and that education plus enforcement and engineering helps reduce those risks. Susan noted available funding opportunities for Safe Routes to School non‑infrastructure items (studies, coordinators, small incentive programs) and discussed bike rodeos and pedestrian safety events already run with local schools.
Measurement and funding: Staff proposed tracking outcomes with targeted crash‑reduction metrics, public questionnaire feedback and annual evaluations that refine campaigns over time. Domee and Susan said the city already has modest funding for materials and events and will pursue additional grants and regional funds after the plan is drafted. Susan recalled a prior funded part‑time Safe Routes coordinator position that was not filled in 2020 because COVID interrupted hiring and the city returned grant funds to the region; staff said the plan would help make future funding requests competitive.
Regional coordination and next steps: Staff recommended aligning city messaging with MAG, ADOT and regional partners and using existing campaigns (for example, the city’s “Slow Down Scottsdale” and ebike safety messages). They also proposed phased implementation, annual evaluation and expanding partnerships with schools, businesses and community groups. Staff flagged a public outreach program in October that will include fall festival events and walking audits to capture community input.
No formal action was required or taken on the education component; commissioners provided questions and suggestions on survey methods, outreach channels and program evaluation.
Ending: Staff will incorporate the education pillar into the draft safety plan, pursue funding and coordinate outreach events in the fall; the Commission will review enforcement and first‑responder pieces at a future meeting.
