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. 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 participation of pedestrians in the District and engagement with stakeholders across the community

Pedestrian Safety Signage Campaign

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 continued in 2021, with education and engagement of our Medical District population and beyond. New signage and messaging helped increase visibility and enhance pedestrian safety in the Medical District, where a large percentage of students, employees, and residents travel on foot and or by bike.