A series of small concrete islands is planned to increase pedestrian safety along one of the deadliest highways for foot traffic in Bibb County.

Macon residents can nominate their neighborhood street to be a part of Play Streets Macon, a new initiative that opens neighborhood streets for community activities and closes them to traffic.

With pedestrian deaths in the U.S. at their highest point in four decades, advocates and urban residents across the nation are urging city councils and state lawmakers to break from transportation spending focused on road improvements and car culture. From Salt Lake City to Atlanta to Charlotte, N.C., frustrated residents are pushing for increased funding for public transportation and improvements that make it safer to travel by bike or on foot.

An analysis of 17 reports involving pedestrian deaths in 2021 showed the average time from the 911 call to the Bibb County deputy’s arrival was 9 minutes and 30 seconds. However, several response times neared or exceeded 20 minutes.

The upcoming audits have not been scheduled yet but will help identify improvements needed for safe foot traffic. 

Scooter-related incidents in Georgia have left four people dead and at least one person injured since May . While many cities across the state have...