'Suicide' or 'reverse' lane? What to call center lanes on the Sevens?

For years, people have raised safety concerns with Phoenix’s reverse lanes, which have been used for nearly a half-century.

Many people use "suicide lanes" to describe any center lane where cars can face each other head-on.

Phoenix leaders recently commissioned a study to examine commuting patterns on Seventh Avenue and Seventh Street where reversible lanes are used in rush hour.

City traffic engineers also will look at the effects of those lanes on the major arterials within a mile and a half to the east and west of them.

The City Council’s decision last month came as a citizen petition that garnered 4,000 signatures demanded the removal of the reverse lanes along the two heavily trafficked corridors, commonly referred to as the Sevens.

For years, people have raised safety concerns