H.R. 4904: Pedestrian Hazard, Awareness, and Safety Expansion Act of 2025

This bill is titled the Pedestrian Hazard, Awareness, and Safety Expansion Act of 2025, or the PHASE Act of 2025. It aims to enhance the safety of pedestrians and vulnerable road users, such as bicyclists, through various measures. Here are the main components of what the bill proposes:

NIST Innovative Technologies

The bill requires the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to explore and report on innovative technologies that could improve traffic control devices. The goal is to better inform and protect vehicle operators and vulnerable road users without causing distractions.

Study on Physical Alternatives

The Secretary of Transportation is instructed to conduct a study that will:

• Identify urban areas with rising pedestrian fatalities to understand where crashes occur most frequently.
• Analyze potential physical measures aimed at reducing vehicle crashes involving these vulnerable road users.
• Examine the effectiveness of safety systems, such as intelligent speed assistance and blind spot detection, in protecting pedestrians and other road users.

Briefing to Congress

Within two years of the bill's enactment, the Secretary must brief Congress about the findings from the study on pedestrian safety and protective measures.

Grant Program for Infrastructure Enhancement

The bill establishes a grant program managed by the Secretary of Transportation to provide financial support to cities, Indian Tribes, and municipalities. This funding will be designated for various infrastructure improvements that conform to federal regulations and enhance pedestrian safety, including:

• Innovative technology for crosswalks
• Additional pedestrian facilities
• Expanded buffer zones
• Improved pedestrian crossings
• Enhanced accommodations on bridges
• Upgraded highway traffic signals
• Accessible pedestrian signals
• Better sidewalks
• Increased signage
• Improved lighting at crossings
• Adaptive or intelligent lighting
• Accessible curb ramps
• Marked crosswalks and grade-separated crossings

Eligibility and Funding

To receive grants, applicants must submit a comprehensive application as determined by the Secretary. The program is authorized a budget of $5,000,000 for each fiscal year to support its initiatives.

Relevant Companies

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