The city of Phoenix’s Transportation, Infrastructure and Innovation subcommittee had a meeting Wednesday to discuss upcoming projects around the city, including the downtown Phoenix area.
E-Scooters
The subcommittee wanted to clarify the $100,000 request to the recently approved e-scooter pilot program contract, since the contract specified that the pilot program would be of no cost to the city. While discussing the item, the subcommittee clarified that the money will be paid to the e-scooter company upfront for the pick-up of scooters outside of designated parking areas. The administration cost of said contract, along with an $80 fee for each scooter, will be charged by the city to the e-scooter company.
“Phoenix’s scooter program is unlike other cities in that scooters will be required to be parked within designated parking areas,” said Heather Murphy, Public Engagement Coordinator for the City of Phoenix.
The contract period begins September 16 and ends March 15. After this period, Murphy said, the City Council will evaluate and decide whether the city will continue or discontinue the program.
Pedestrian Safety
The Street Transportation Department Office of Pedestrian Safety provided an update of their progress throughout the city of Phoenix. They also provided a proposal for safety improvements to spend $2 million from the budget for Pedestrian Safety approved by the Phoenix City Council.
For the Street Transportation Department of Pedestrian Safety and the subcommittee council members, pedestrian safety is a crucial topic of discussion due to the dramatic rise of pedestrian fatalities in the city of Phoenix over the last five years.
There was an estimated 112 pedestrian fatalities in Phoenix in 2018 according to Kini Knudson, Director of the Street Transportation Department for the city of Phoenix. The improvement of street lighting in poorly lit streets, the installation of medians and High Intensity Activity Crosswalks (HAWKs), and the upgrade of 55 crosswalks and signs are among the proposed improvements to allocate these funds.
The improvements focus on hot spots, areas known to have high rates of pedestrian fatalities and injuries from vehicles.
The Street Transportation Department Office of Pedestrian Safety also intends to establish a partnership with Arizona State University and conduct research related to pedestrian collisions throughout Phoenix.
The last item intends to extend community education and engagement. The office goes to schools throughout Phoenix and educates students of every grade about walking safely throughout the city. The Street Transportation Department Office proposed to have a Spanish translation of the Pedestrian Safety Activity for youth who may need translation.
In a month, according to Knudson, the Street Transportation Department for Pedestrian Safety will present these proposed items to the full council and appropriate allocation of funds will be evaluated.
Contact the reporter at csserra1@asu.edu
