Oct152024
The room for the chamber of the Senate in the Idaho State Capitol

 

Introduction

As we approach the November election and early voting is available in many states, it’s crucial to recognize the profound impact our votes can have on everyday safety, particularly for pedestrians. While party affiliations often dominate political discourse, it’s the policy decisions that truly shape our communities. Voters should look beyond party lines and consider how candidates’ proposed policies might affect urban design, infrastructure, and public safety measures.

The intricate relationship between public policy and pedestrian safety cannot be overstated—our streets, sidewalks, and overall urban landscape are direct results of the decisions made by elected officials. By understanding this connection, voters can make more informed choices at the polls, potentially influencing the safety and well-being of pedestrians for years to come. As we cast our votes, let’s remember that these seemingly abstract policy choices have very real, tangible effects on our daily lives and the safety of our communities.

 

The Importance of Pedestrian Safety

Pedestrian safety is not just a niche issue—it affects everyone. Whether we’re walking or biking to work, strolling in a park, or simply crossing the street, we’re all pedestrians at some point. In 2022, nearly 7,500 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents in the United States, marking a concerning trend. This statistic underscores the urgent need for effective public policies to protect our most vulnerable road users.

 

How Public Policy Shapes Pedestrian Safety

  • Infrastructure design public policy dictates how our roads and sidewalks are designed.
    • Look for the candidate’s support of policies that prioritize pedestrian-friendly infrastructure:
      • Sidewalk Policies: Support for continuous sidewalk networks, including filling gaps in existing systems and mandating sidewalks in new developments.
      • Crosswalk Enhancements: Policies promoting accessible pedestrian signals (APS), pedestrian countdown signals, and leading pedestrian intervals (LPIs) (giving pedestrians a head start before vehicles get a green light).
      • Curb Extensions and Bulb-Outs: These reduce crossing distances and increase pedestrian visibility.
      • Pedestrian-Scale Lighting: Policies mandating adequate lighting not just for vehicles, but at a scale suitable for pedestrians, improving safety and security.
  • Speed limits and traffic calming policies regulating speed limits and implementing traffic calming measures can significantly reduce pedestrian fatalities. Lower speeds give drivers more time to react and reduce the severity of injuries in case of a collision.
    • Look for the candidate’s support of measures that back or facilitate this:
      • Vision Zero Initiatives: Comprehensive programs aiming to eliminate all traffic fatalities. Assess candidates’ commitment to Vision Zero principles and implementation strategies.
      • 20mph Zones: Support for widespread 20 mph speed limits in residential areas, which can dramatically reduce pedestrian fatalities.
      • Automated Speed Enforcement: Policies supporting and funding speed cameras, which can be more effective and equitable than traditional enforcement.
      • Road Diets: Support for reconfiguring overly wide streets to reduce speeds and add pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure.
      • Neighborhood Slow Zones: Comprehensive approaches to calming traffic in residential areas through physical design changes.
  • Funding allocation dictates how governments divide funds for transportation projects that directly impact pedestrian safety. Policies that ensure a fair share of funding goes to pedestrian infrastructure can make a big difference.
    • Look at the candidate’s plans for allocation which can be demonstrated through:
      • Dedicated Pedestrian Infrastructure Funds: Support for specific budget allocations specifically for pedestrian improvements, not just general transportation funds.
      • Developer Impact Fees: Policies requiring developers to contribute to pedestrian infrastructure improvements.
      • Transportation Bonds: Support for bond measures that explicitly include significant funding for pedestrian projects.
      • Federal Funding Utilization: Knowledge of and commitment to leveraging federal programs like the Transportation Alternatives Program for pedestrian safety projects.
      • Maintenance Funding: Often overlooked, consistent funding for maintaining and improving pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure is crucial for long-term safety.
  • Accessibility and inclusion policies can mandate and fund education programs for both drivers and pedestrians, promoting a culture of safety and mutual respect on the roads.
    • Look for the candidate’s vocalization and support for accessibility for all:
      • ADA compliance: Strong policies and funding are needed to bring all pedestrian infrastructure into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
      • Equity-Focused Investment: Prioritizing pedestrian safety improvements in historically underserved communities.
      • Universal Design Principles: Support for going beyond minimum ADA requirements to create truly inclusive pedestrian environments.
  • Law enforcement policies that prioritize enforcement of traffic laws, especially those protecting pedestrians, can deter dangerous driving behaviors.
    • Look for the candidate’s support for the implementation of comprehensive safety approaches:
  • Urban planning zoning laws and urban development policies can encourage walkable communities, reducing car dependency and enhancing pedestrian safety.
    • Look for the candidate’s concern for the environment and implementation of walkable communities:
      • Transit-Oriented Development: Policies promoting dense, walkable development around transit stations.
      • Mixed-Use Zoning: Support for zoning changes that allow a mix of residential, commercial, and office uses, reducing the need for car trips.
      • Parking Reform: Policies to reduce parking minimums and manage on-street parking, which can improve pedestrian safety and encourage walking.
      • School Siting Policies: Support for locating schools within walkable distances from residential areas and improving safe routes to schools.

 

What to Consider When Voting

As you prepare to cast your ballot, consider these questions about each candidate:

  1. Do they support Complete Streets policies that design roads with all users in mind, including pedestrians?
  2. What is their stance on funding for pedestrian infrastructure improvements?
  3. Do they have concern for the environment and changing our car-focused street infrastructure?
  4. Do they advocate for lower speed limits in residential and high-pedestrian areas?
  5. Do they have a stance on walking making public areas more accessible to everyone?
  6. What are their plans for improving pedestrian safety near schools and in high-risk areas?
  7. Do they support increased funding for public transportation, which can reduce car traffic and improve pedestrian safety?
  8. What is their track record in supporting or implementing pedestrian safety measures?
  9. Do they prioritize data-driven approaches to identify and address pedestrian safety issues?

 

The Broader Impact

Remember, policies that improve pedestrian safety often have wider benefits:

  • Environmental: Encouraging walking can reduce car use and emissions.
  • Health: Safe walking infrastructure promotes physical activity.
  • Economic: Walkable communities often see increased property values and local business activity.
  • Social Equity: Safe pedestrian infrastructure is crucial for those who rely on walking and public transit.

 

Conclusion

As election day draws closer take some time to consider the multifaceted nature of pedestrian safety policy. Look beyond simple promises to the specific, actionable policies each candidate supports. Remember that improving pedestrian safety is not just about infrastructure, it’s about creating a comprehensive ecosystem of safe, walkable communities.

Your vote has the power to shape the physical environment of your community for years to come. By supporting candidates and policies that demonstrate a nuanced understanding of pedestrian safety policies, you’re investing in a safer, more livable future for all residents.

Pedestrian safety may not always make headlines, but it’s a fundamental issue that affects our daily lives and the well-being of our communities. This election let’s make our voices heard for safer streets for all.