PHASE Act of 2023

The PHASE Act of 2023 directs the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to identify innovative traffic control technologies that improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists without causing distraction. It requires the Transportation Secretary to conduct a study analyzing urban areas with rising pedestrian fatalities and test physical safety measures like crosswalk technology, better lighting, and accessible sidewalks. The bill also creates a $5 million annual grant program for cities, tribes, and municipalities to fund specific pedestrian safety infrastructure, including marked crosswalks, adaptive lighting, accessible curb ramps, and upgraded traffic signals. These grants must comply with federal regulations and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The law directly affects local governments seeking funding and aims to protect pedestrians and vulnerable road users through concrete infrastructure improvements.