Pedestrian Safety
MMDC’s pedestrian safety initiative includes the coordination of streetscape enhancements, public art projects, education campaigns and signage, events like Walk to Lunch Days, collaboration with other local programs, and more. MMDC supports Memphis’ first application of the Vision Zero campaign, a strategy to eliminate all pedestrian fatalities and severe injuries while increasing safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all. First implemented in Sweden in the 1990s, Vision Zero has proved successful across Europe — and now it’s gaining momentum in major American cities.
Pedestrians are vulnerable roadway users, specifically in the District where a large percentage of students, employees, and residents travel on foot, and Be Aware is a call for mutual respect and safer interactions.
Be Aware seeks to raise awareness of pedestrian safety in the District through five strategies:
Engineering
Infrastructure efforts such as streetscape improvements, public signage, and lighting applied in high-density, frequently trafficked areas
Enforcement
Volunteers working in tandem with law enforcement to make drivers and pedestrians aware of safe practices and legal obligations, and reward responsible behavior
Education
Providing motorists and pedestrians with tips and stats encouraging safer interactions
Equity
Recognizing the specific challenges of minorities and under-represented citizens and telling
the stories of victims
Engagement
Activities, events, and rewards to raise awareness and participating of pedestrians in the District and engaging with stakeholders across the community
Pedestrian Safety Signage Campaign
2021
In 2017, MMDC launched Memphis’ first application of the Vision Zero campaign, a national strategy to increase safe, healthy, equitable mobility for all and eliminate all pedestrian fatalities and severe injuries. Our support of this effort continues with attempts to educate and engage our Medical District population and beyond, with new signage and messaging to increase visibility and enhance pedestrian safety. Pedestrians are vulnerable roadway users, especially in the Medical District where a large percentage of students, employees, and residents travel on foot and or by bike. Our pedestrian safety campaign calls for mutual respect and safer interactions on our neighborhood streets.
Take the Pledge
Pledge to be alert and respectful of pedestrians, follow all applicable traffic laws to protect them, and walk with awareness in the Memphis Medical District.
