Press Releases | New Enforcement Phase Begins in Campaign to Reduce Pedestrian, Cyclist Deaths

News Releases

PHOENIX (Sept. 20, 2021) – As part of an education and enforcement campaign that began in March, stepped up enforcement efforts are planned in the coming weeks in four Valley cities.
September 20, 2021

Second enforcement phase to take place in Phoenix, Glendale, Tempe, Chandler

For Immediate ReleaseContact: Kelly Taft, MAG, 602-452-5020

PHOENIX (Sept. 20, 2021) – As part of an education and enforcement campaign that began in March, stepped up enforcement efforts are planned in the coming weeks in four Valley cities.

“See Me AZ”  is an education and enforcement campaign to reduce the number of bicycle and pedestrian crashes in the Valley, which claim about 150 lives each year and cause more than 2,150 injuries. Research finds that most crashes happen when drivers, cyclists, or pedestrians don’t see each other.

During the first phase of increased enforcement, the pilot cities of Phoenix, Glendale, Tempe, and Chandler recorded more than 1,500 contacts with residents and issued more than 1,100 citations.

The program was launched over growing concern with pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities. In 2020,151 pedestrians and 17 cyclists were killed in the region.

To reduce these numbers, the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG), which represents 32 local and tribal governments, created a bicycle and pedestrian task force. The task force called for the creation of an education and enforcement campaign.

The four pilot cities will once again be ramping up enforcement efforts. Phoenix and Chandler start saturation efforts this week, while Glendale will start its efforts in mid-October and Tempe the first week of November. The heightened enforcement will last about two weeks.

MAG and its partners recognize that pedestrian deaths in traffic crashes is a growing public health concern that needs further investigation into its root causes. Ultimately, the task force recognizes that all share responsibility for road safety. Toolkits and other materials are available at SeeMeAZ.com. Key messages include “Be aware. Be Seen. Be safe.” “We all share responsibility.” And “See Me as I walk. See me as I ride. See me as I drive.

Enforcement activities will vary. For specifics by jurisdiction, please contact: Phoenix: Police Main PIO, [email protected]; Glendale: Sgt. Randy Stewart, 623-930-3076; Tempe: Traffic Bureau Office, 480-350-8376; Chandler: Sgt. Jason McClimans, 480-782-4108.

 

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