ENROLLED ORIGINAL
A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
25-282
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
October 29, 2024
To recognize the day of October 31, 2024 as Pedestrian Safety Awareness Day in the District of
Columbia.
WHEREAS, pedestrian infrastructure is an essential component of a multimodal
transportation network because even if someone mostly commutes by personal vehicle, by riding
a bicycle or other micromobility device, or by using public transit, they can reasonably expect to
walk or roll during some portion of that trip;
WHEREAS, although the District maintains more than 1,400 miles of sidewalks, the
investment in sidewalk expansion and repair does not match the level of investment in, and priority
given to, street repairs;
WHEREAS, in addition to serving as a popular form of transportation, walking and rolling
have been recognized by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention as a physical activity with
health benefits, including decreased risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer;
WHEREAS, unlike personal automobile use, walking and rolling are forms of
transportation that do not contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and the associated negative
impacts on air quality and human health;
WHEREAS, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 7,522
pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes in the United States during 2022 – amounting to one
pedestrian killed every 70 minutes;
WHEREAS, in 2024, to date, there have already been 17 pedestrian fatalities, 62 major
injuries to pedestrians, and 495 minor injuries to pedestrians in the District;
WHEREAS, according to an analysis of Metropolitan Police Department crash data from
2015 through 2019, 79% of crashes involving people walking or rolling in the District resulted in
an injury, and 1% resulted in a fatality;
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 ENROLLED ORIGINAL
WHEREAS, according to that same analysis, 69% of crashes involving a pedestrian
occurred within 100 feet of an intersection;
WHEREAS, accordingly, the District government must continue to prioritize the design
and construction of traffic infrastructure that better protects pedestrians at intersections, including
daylighting efforts, the installation of High-Intensity Activated Crosswalk (“HAWK”) signals, and
the use of longer pedestrian lead intervals;
WHEREAS, reducing risks for all pedestrians is essential to a safe, thriving community,
and additional precautionary measures are particularly needed for children and seniors in
residential streets, parks and playgrounds, school zones, and more;
WHEREAS, at the end of October, families across the United States participate in
Halloween by wearing costumes, walking and rolling through their neighborhoods, collecting
candy and other treats, and enjoying a variety of festivities;
WHEREAS, studies found that there is a 43% higher risk of pedestrian fatalities on
Halloween, with pedestrians 4 to 8 years of age having a ten-fold increased fatality risk on
Halloween; and
WHEREAS, holidays likes Halloween underscore the importance of robust pedestrian
safety measures and infrastructure that protect all District residents, but especially vulnerable
roadway users like children, seniors, and people with disabilities.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution may be cited as the “Pedestrian Safety Awareness Day Recognition Resolution of
2024”.
Sec. 2. The Council of the District of Columbia declares October 31, 2024 as Pedestrian
Safety Awareness Day in the District of Columbia.
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
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