Council backs education campaign for WalkSafe after staff notes 52 pedestrian collisions in ~10 years

City staff presented a WalkSafe needs assessment that compiled about 52 pedestrian‑vehicle collisions in roughly the past decade, with approximately half occurring between 5 p.m. and 5 a.m. The assessment used Vision Zero project data and input from the Police Chief and recommended prioritizing the Federal Highway Administration/NTSB '4 E's' approach — engineering, enforcement, education and emergency response — with an initial emphasis on education.

Staff told council that, because the recent collision numbers are relatively low and scattered, a focused education and outreach campaign would be the most cost‑effective first step to reduce pedestrian risk and raise awareness; staff also noted that engineering improvements (lighting, crosswalks) and enforcement are part of the long‑term work plan and grant pipeline. If the council prefers a distribution program (reflective vests, strobes, headlamps), staff said they can cost and pilot a small program but cautioned that procurement, distribution and program administration add ongoing staff time and expense.

After discussion, council members broadly supported launching an education campaign timed to amplify outreach in October (Bicyclist & Pedestrian Awareness Month). Some councilors favored adding a small pilot of reflective vests alongside the education effort; others preferred reserving capital and staffing resources to larger engineering projects such as additional pedestrian lighting on key corridors. Staff said they will move forward with the education campaign plan and return with cost and program design if council wants a vest distribution pilot.