Philadelphia Receives $525K Grant for Pedestrian Safety

Philadelphia is one of three cities nationwide that will be the recipient of a federal grant to enhance pedestrian safety, officials announced Friday.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Federal Highway Administration selected Philadelphia for the $525,000 grant. Philadelphia was the only city in Pennsylvania that met the criteria to be considered for the grant.

“Pedestrian safety is a top priority for the Department,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “Through a combination of education, enforcement and improvements to walking routes themselves, today’s grant will improve pedestrian safety in Philadelphia while serving as a model for communities across the country as well.”  

PennDOT’s Highway Safety Office worked with the Mayor’s Office of Transportation and Utilities to update the city’s Pedestrian Safety Plan, which served as the basis for the grant application.

The plan calls for innovative outreach at and around high crash locations. Included will be targeted social media, an updated police pedestrian training video and bus and subway advertising. Enforcement and follow up evaluation also are part of the plan.

“These funds are going to help make Philadelphia a national model for pedestrian safety efforts,” said Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter.