Held on July 12 at the Norris Conference Center in Austin, Texas, the Texas A&M Transportation Institute hosted the Texas Pedestrian Safety Forum. The forum was sponsored by TxDOT and brought together researchers, advocates, and injury prevention specialists from all over the state for this one day of networking and learning.
Download the agenda for the Forum.
Conference Presentations
Pedestrian Safety Perspectives in Texas
Pedestrian safety is a priority in the State of Texas. In this session, panelists discussed the activities that are happening at the state level and how the Strategic Highway Safety Plan can be used to guide pedestrian safety initiatives in Texas.
Texas Department of Transportation’s Traffic Safety Program – Terry Pence, Texas Department of Transportation Safety
Texas Together on the Road to Zero: The Strategic Highway Safety Plan – Robert Wunderlich, Texas A&M Transportation Institute
Stakeholder Updates – Group 1
Pedestrian safety stakeholders provided 1-minute presentations highlighting pedestrian safety initiatives/projects.
Be Safe, Be Seen – Lisa Johnson, Texas Department of Transportation Safety
Pedestrian and Bicycle Crash Analysis Tool – Boya Dai, Texas A&M Transportation Institute
Safe Kids Austin Activities – Carlee McConnell, Safe Kids Austin
Pedestrian Safety Activities in San Antonio – Rebecca Pacini, City of San Antonio
Planning for Pedestrian Safety in Community
From large regions to small cities, pedestrian safety planning is taking place throughout the State of Texas. Panelists in this session shared lessons learned, challenges and other key takeaways from their experience developing pedestrian safety plans for their communities.
When your Urban Core Arrives: University Drive in College Station, Texas – James Robertson, Lee Engineering
The Making of Austin’s Pedestrian Safety Action Plan – Laura Dierenfield, The City of Austin
Pedestrian Safety in North Texas – Kevin Kokes, North Central Texas Council of Governments
Stakeholder Updates – Group 2
Pedestrian safety stakeholders provided 1-minute presentations highlighting pedestrian safety initiatives/projects.
Early Child Safety Education Focusing on Pedestrians – Myung Ko, Texas A&M Transportation Institute
Vision Zero ATX – Heyden Walker Black, Black & Vernooy
Vision Zero Texas – Jay Blazek Crossley, Farm & City
Keynote:
Pedestrian safety activities not only occur in Texas but also in the surrounding region and across the United States. The Forum’s keynote speaker shared information about NHTSA’s pedestrian safety approach as well as discussed NHTSA led activities and projects within NHTSA Region 6.
The Federal Perspective and NHTSA’s Role – Maggi Gunnels, Region 6 Director, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Stakeholder Updates – Group 3
Pedestrian Safety Stakeholders provided 1-minute presentations highlighting pedestrian safety initiatives/projects.
Pedestrian Safety Activities – Lily Lowder, Alamo Area Metropolitan Planning Organization
Walk.Bike.Safe – Neal Johnson, Texas A&M Transportation Institute
Pedestrian Safety and Public Health – Shelli Stidham, Parkland Health & Hospital System
Approaches to Pedestrian Safety
Each of the following breakout sessions focused on an important aspect of pedestrian safety. In each breakout, panelists presented for 7-10 minutes and the last half of the session featured moderated discussion with the audience.
Session 1: Innovative Data Use for Pedestrian Safety
Methods to Measure & Monitor Pedestrian Travel – Shawn Turner, Texas A&M Transportation Institute
Using Data to Move from Reactive to Proactive about Pedestrian Safety– Carly Haithcock, Toole Design Group/City of Austin
Understanding Dallas District Pedestrian Safety Issues – Minh Le, Texas A&M Transportation Institute
Session 2: Engineering and Design Countermeasures for Pedestrian Safety
STEP: Pedestrian Safety at Uncontrolled Crossings – Elizabeth Hilton, Federal Highway Administration
Engineering Pedestrian Safety on I-35: Step-by-step – Karen Lorenzini, Texas Department of Transportation
Pedestrians Are People Too – Heyden Black Walker, Black & Vernooy
Session 3: Policy, Laws and Legislation Affecting Pedestrian Safety
Activity-Friendly Communities: If you build it, will they walk? – Greg Griffin, Texas A&M Transportation Institute
Right or Wrong, the Pedestrian Loses and the Driver will Live with Guilt – Sergeant Michael Barger, Austin Police Department
Policies and Pedestrians – Diane Dohm, Houston-Galveston Area Council