Ann Arbor crosswalks will once again be a focus for increased awareness of pedestrian and motorist safety. In conjunction with the Ann Arbor Safe Streets and Sidewalks task force and the city’s Transportation Program, the Ann Arbor Police Department is conducting a pedestrian crosswalk and safety targeted enforcement campaign at 14 CROSSWALKS between January 22nd and 26th.
The campaign will span five days, and police officers will keep a watchful eye for drivers not stopping for pedestrians crossing the street at crosswalks. Motorists are required to stop for pedestrians at the curb or within the crosswalk.
Safe driving is not the sole emphasis, as pedestrians are also responsible for their own safety in many cases. With this in mind, a pedestrian shall not suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into a path of a vehicle where it is impossible for the driver to yield. The city is producing and distributing informational materials targeted to drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists on the subject of safety and basic etiquette.
The locations that will be in rotation for targeted enforcement during this period include Fuller Road and the V.A. Hospital, Fuller Road and Mitchell Field, William Street and Ashley Street, William Street and Main Street, Fifth Avenue and Packard Street, North Division Street and Community High School, Liberty Street and Crest Avenue, North Division Street and South of Broadway Bridge, First Street and Jefferson Street, South Industrial Highway and Stadium Boulevard, Plymouth Road and Bishop Avenue, Hill Street and East University Avenue, Hill Street and Church Street, and the 2200 block of Washtenaw Avenue.
Ensuring pedestrian safety is especially important in Ann Arbor with over 17 percent of residents walking to work, over six times the national average. Also, Ann Arbor was recognized by the Promoting Active Communities Program as a Gold-level community for its dedication to improving active living opportunities. In addition, Ann Arbor has been recognized by prevention magazine and the American Podiatric Medical Association as the third most walkable city in the country. The targeted enforcement campaign is a component of a broader program emphasizing safe streets and sidewalks for all users in Ann Arbor.
Additional information on safe walking, bicycling and driving in Ann Arbor can be found at www.a2gov.org/walkbikedrive, and http://a2nonmoto.tumblr.com/.