Phoenix Residents Weigh In: Should We Remove the ‘Suicide’ Lanes?

On May 21, the Phoenix City Council addressed a citizen petition aimed at removing the controversial reverse lanes on 7th Street and 7th Avenue, commonly referred to as the city’s “suicide lanes.” The council, instead of reaching a definitive decision, opted to instruct the city’s Streets Transportation Department to conduct a comprehensive study on the matter.

The study’s findings are expected to be reported back to the council by December 2026. This issue has sparked significant debate among residents, demonstrating that while it may not align with political divides, it remains a deeply polarizing topic within the community.