Sends Letter to Tucson Mayor & Council Calling for Pedestrian Safety Campaign
Our America, a recognized leader in community safety, joined a 6-member coalition calling for the mayor and city council to launch a public awareness campaign to reduce the number of pedestrian fatalities in Tucson.
“[A] study earlier this spring showed Tucson as the third deadliest metro in America for pedestrians; almost 70% of Tucson’s pedestrian deaths in the last decade, have happened in just the last 5 years. This year alone, there are 32 pedestrian fatalities and counting.”
The coalition of community groups is asking the City of Tucson to raise public awareness of the dangers of panhandling by asking motorists to say no to panhandlers. The campaign would be modeled after one implemented in 2023 by Pima County that included signage at key intersections encouraging motorists to “say no to panhandling, say yes to helping agencies serving those in need.”
Our America’s Arizona Grassroots Director Paul Parisi said this is a serious problem that Our America is taking the lead on. “Our members demand safe streets and communities,” Parisi said. “Of course we have compassion for those struggling to feed themselves and their families, but there are better ways to get help. Panhandling is dangerous.”
According to the Tucson City Code Sec. 20-500:
“Medians serve as safety islands to those pedestrians who are crossing the street. Medians also promote the safety of occupants of motor vehicles by serving as an unoccupied buffer between opposing lanes of traffic. Pedestrian and motor vehicle safety is jeopardized when the curb cut, crosswalk and median areas are blocked or impeded by persons engaging in solicitation or sales. Further, persons on medians and roadways who interact with motorists distract and disrupt vehicular traffic and create a safety risk. The city’s interest in protecting the welfare of pedestrians and occupants of motor vehicles is compelling.”
Read full letter to the Tucson City Mayor and City Council here.
