Pedestrian Crossings

Why are pedestrian crossings important?

The dynamics of pedestrian crossings through the Arizona-Sonora border ports of entry reflect the composite effects of both family and economic ties between Arizona and Sonora, as well as border crossing procedures that affect wait times. Since the early 2000’s, the number of pedestrians has increased relative to all border crossings. Among Arizona’s six border ports of entry, Nogales facilitates the largest number of pedestrian crossings. San Luis is a distant second, followed by Douglas. 

What is measured?

Pedestrians are persons who cross the border on foot. In the past, pedestrians have predominantly been residents from nearby border cities and towns who crossed the border daily or weekly for work, shopping, medical services, or to visit friends and family. Increasingly, people on both sides of the border choose to leave their vehicles on their side of the border, and cross on foot to avoid vehicle congestion, longer wait times, or for other reasons. On the other side of the border they may use taxi, bus, or rental vehicle services to get to their desired destinations. Data are provided only for northbound crossings, and do not differentiate travelers based on country of citizenship. The selected southern border ports of entry used in this analysis are: Douglas, Lukeville, Naco, Nogales, San Luis, and Sasabe in Arizona; Calexico East in California; Santa Teresa in New Mexico; and, El Paso, Hidalgo, and Laredo in Texas.