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Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission urges NDOT to remove "make eye contact" signs and propose engineering fixes
Summary
The commission voted to ask NDOT for a list of all "make eye contact" pedestrian signs, a removal timeline and an evidence‑based infrastructure alternative for each location; the advisory stresses Vision Zero principles and calls for engineering solutions rather than signage that places responsibility on pedestrians.
The Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission voted to ask the Nashville Department of Transportation to identify and remove pedestrian signs that instruct people to "make eye contact" and to propose evidence‑based alternatives. Commissioners approved the advisory by voice vote.
The commission's statement says multiple intersections contain signs telling pedestrians to make eye contact, which the commission said is often impossible, places responsibility on pedestrians rather than drivers, and can normalize victim blaming. The commission requested that NDOT provide a report to the commission’s November 17 meeting listing every location of the signs, a timeline for removal, and, for each location, at least one infrastructure change that is supported by research and would improve safety.
The advisory frames the request in a Vision Zero approach, saying that safety policy should prioritize systemic engineering changes — such as roadway geometry, crossings and signal timing — over behavioral signage. Commissioners cited studies and guidance that focusing enforcement and messaging on pedestrian behavior can distract from infrastructure investments that reduce serious injuries.
The motion was moved, seconded and passed by voice vote; no roll‑call tally was recorded in the meeting minutes. The commission asked staff to invite NDOT to present the requested inventory and removal timeline at the November meeting.
If NDOT provides the requested report, the commission said it will evaluate proposed infrastructure alternatives and may follow up with more formal advice on specific projects.
