Ann Arbor Protestors Demand Traffic Safety After Multiple Pedestrian Deaths

In Ann Arbor, a recent fatal crash involving a 79-year-old man in a wheelchair has sparked protests demanding improved pedestrian and cyclist safety measures. Protesters, including members of the Bicycle Alliance of Washtenaw and city officials like Peter Houk, staged a die-in at the crash site to call on the city council and the Michigan Department of Transportation to take action. They advocate for lowering downtown speed limits, narrowing roads, and transferring road control from MDOT to the city to implement safety reforms such as GridSmart cameras that extend crossing times. Safety advocates emphasize that despite the city’s Vision Zero goal aimed at eliminating serious traffic injuries and deaths, the number of pedestrian crashes remains high, with 2023 being the worst year since 2014 and 2025 on track for significant dangers. Houk, who tracks local crashes on his blog, continues to raise awareness to push for street redesigns and traffic calming measures. The protests reflect ongoing community concerns about traffic safety and the need for urgent reforms to protect vulnerable road users.