WALKABILITY AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY IN SOUTH TUCSON

Abstract

In the United States, from 2015 to 2016, a nine percent increase was recorded in pedestrian-related fatalities from motor vehicle crashes (NHTSA 2017). To reduce the number of pedestrian-related accidents, and to reduce the dependence of the motor vehicle for primary transportation, the roadway infrastructure needs to be centered around pedestrian usage, multiple modes of transportation need to be offered, and the environment needs to be made exciting and comfortable for all users. This study provides an overview of factors that contribute to pedestrian-related accidents and reduce walkability in South Tucson. This study also provides an overview and a step-by-step process of solutions and recommendations for future development in troubled areas. This work will be accomplished through a) US census data analysis, b) crash data analysis, and c) an assessment of roadway/pedestrian infrastructure design. It found that there were some trends between the two zip codes 85713 and 85704 which are; the zip code 85713 had higher poverty status rates, the household income was significantly lower than in zip code 85704, the average population age was younger than in zipcode 85704, and that more people were cycling to work than in zip code 85704. The mapping of the crash data showed there were more pedestrian-related accidents within a South Tucson location than in a location in North Tucson. It also found that the roadway design and pedestrian infrastructure in South Tucson offered significantly fewer safety elements to pedestrians than in North Tucson. To make South Tucson more walkability and pedestrian-friendly, the roadway, which includes; the intersection, streets, crosswalks, and bikeways, needs to be redesigned.