*NEW* Report: Tucson is ranked #4 deadliest metro area in the nation for people walking
According to the Dangerous by Design 2026, a report just released from Smart Growth America, Tucson is the 4th deadliest metro area in the US for pedestrian.
Although Tucson ranked third in the previous edition of Dangerous by Design and fourth this year, the change should not be mistaken for progress. The Tucson region recorded 235 pedestrian deaths between 2020 and 2024, compared to 142 pedestrian deaths between 2015 and 2019—a 66 percent increase between the two reporting periods.
This week, Living Streets Alliance and City of Tucson Ward 6 Office issued a joint press release drawing attention to the ongoing safety crisis on Tucson's streets.
“The release of the 2026 Dangerous by Design report is a sobering reminder that Tucson continues to face a pedestrian safety crisis,” said Council Member Miranda Schubert, Ward 6. “We have no shortage of plans, data, or evidence about what works. The challenge is whether our investments match the scale of the problem.”
Dangerous by Design 2026 finds that pedestrian fatalities remain near historic highs nationwide. Most metro areas have made little progress since 2024, with the greatest risks falling on older adults, low-income communities, and communities of color. The report finds that too many streets are designed to move cars fast, not keep people safe.
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It's Summertime! Looking Back on a Year of Safe Routes to School
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What do learning to ride a bike, exploring Tucson with friends, and meeting with city planners have in common? They're all part of how Safe Routes to School helps young people build confidence, connection, and leadership. As we reflect on the past school year, we're grappling with a simple but important question:
Have we created the conditions that allow kids to succeed?
In our year-end reflections, you'll read about some of the ways we're working alongside schools, families, and community partners to shape programs that respond to local needs—from piloting a girls-only bike education program for second graders to supporting high school students as teen bike mechanics and community leaders.
We've also included a few ways you can get involved and help create safer, healthier, and more connected communities for Tucson youth and families.
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Cinco for Cyclovia Winners
Congratulations to this spring's Cinco for Cyclovia winners! Community members joined the fun at Cyclovia Tucson, and earned chances to win exciting prizes, including bicycles generously donated by ICCU and roller skating swag from Tucson Roller Collective!
A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who participated and helped make Cinco for Cyclovia a success. Keep an eye out this fall. Cinco returns to Cyclovia Tucson in October with another round of prizes, friendly competition, and opportunities to support open streets in Tucson!
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SAVE THE DATE!
Cyclovia Tucson Fall 2026 Announced
Sunday, October 25th
Route Announcement Coming!
Mark your calendars for our 25th Cyclovia event on Sunday, October 25th. We can't wait to celebrate our streets with you!
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Pima County Drive Less Challenge
Join a community-wide effort led by Pima County Environmental Quality's Clean Air Program to keep our air healthy to breathe. According to the American Lung Association, the number of cases of pediatric and adult asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cardiovascular disease in Pima County amounts to more than 200,000. Chances are you know someone who has one of these ailments.
By skipping a trip in your motor vehicle or taking a "no-drive" day each week you can reduce air pollution by more than 1,000 pounds a year, which will help clear the air for everyone. We'll reap other benefits, too, such as:
- Lighter traffic
- Saving money
- Reducing stress
- Meeting new neighbors and friends
- Becoming more fit and healthy
We all win with cleaner air, and you could win a choice of prizes in the "Drive Less Pledge" prize drawing held each quarter. Next prize drawing is June 30!
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Sun Tran Summer Scavenger Hunt
This summer, hop aboard Sun Tran and join the Summer Scavenger Hunt for a chance to win exciting prizes! To play, pick a scavenger hunt strip card on any Sun Tran bus and complete the activities throughout the summer. Discover new places, explore the community and enjoy riding free transit!
Submit your completed card using one of the following methods:
- Return to Sun Tran Operator
- Email to SunTranMarketing@tucsonaz.gov
- Mail or drop off at the Sun Tran Administration Building, 3910 N. Sun Tran Blvd. 85705
All correct entries will be entered into a weekly prize raffle throughout the summer.
Scavenger hunt ends Friday, July 31
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Article: After RTA Next, Tucson advocates will keep fighting for safer streets
Recent LSA intern and University of Arizona Liverman Fellow Tommey Jodie reports on radical street urbanism through the work of Living Streets Alliance and our ongoing advocacy for a community-driven, creative transportation vision for all of us in Tucson.
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Article: Ride Transit Month: A Reflection on Violence, Safety and Public Space
When acts of violence occur on public transit, how do we talk about them, how do we situate them within a larger system of disinvestment, violence and inequality? This Ride Transit Month, Atlanta transit advocate Propel Atl reflects.
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Article: These Charts Explain Why Public Transit is Safer Than Driving
While media sensationalizes instances of crime on buses and trains, research shows that public transit safety is higher than driving, not just in crashes, but also in crime. Many factors contribute, including a higher safety rate in cities that walkable and cyclable, and the fact that globally, the U.S. holds the title of highest road-traffic fatality for high-income countries.
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Each month we highlight a community partner or supporter who helps make this work possible. This month, we're proud to shout out our longtime partner and Cyclovia sponsor Campfire Cycling. With a vision of a collective bikepacking community, Campfire Cycling holds monthly community events such as the beloved Breakfast by Bike, where community members take a leisurely ride around Tucson and enjoy Campfire-made pancakes and coffee, and bikepacking excursions out and about the beauty of Arizona. Located downtown, pop into Campfire for premier bikes, packing equipment, camping supplies and more! And this June 17th - June 30th, all 2026 Surly bikes and frames will be 10% off! Thank you Campfire for keeping Tucson riding together safely and in style!
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The mission of Living Streets Alliance is to transform our streets into vibrant, public places that bring people together and provide safe, accessible and attractive transportation options.
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