U.S. DOT Releases First-Ever Pedestrian Safety Plan

Record numbers of pedestrians have been killed by drivers in recent years. The federal government says a "team effort" will be necessary to stop the carnage.

1 minute read

December 2, 2020, 5:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Pedestrian Crosswalk

Vadim_Key / Shutterstock

"The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) last week released its first Pedestrian Safety Action Plan," reports Chris Teale.

The plan calls for the Federal Highway Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to "swiftly implement" public education about street safety; "help governments improve the location of pedestrian crossings; and produce a guide on how streetlights can be designed to promote safety for pedestrians," according to Teale.

"Agencies will also identify ways to set appropriate speed limits and reduce speed-related fatalities, and investigate the effect of the use of electronic devices on pedestrian safety."

"The action plan comes as the U.S. continues to wrestle with a growth in pedestrian fatalities on its streets, especially in cities. NHTSA said 17% of all traffic fatalities in 2019 were pedestrians; that year, the administration said 6,205 people were killed, an increase of 44% from 2010."

More details on the Action Plan and the political context for pedestrian safety at the federal level are included in the source article.

Tuesday, December 1, 2020 in Smart Cities Dive

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Redlining map of Oakland and Berkeley.

Rethinking Redlining

For decades we have blamed 100-year-old maps for the patterns of spatial racial inequity that persist in American cities today. An esteemed researcher says: we’ve got it all wrong.

May 15, 2025 - Alan Mallach

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 14, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

May 7, 2025 - Inc.

Regeneration of contaminated industrial land used for waste dumping, West Midlands, UK, 2006 .

EPA Awards $267 Million to Clean Up and Reuse Contaminated Sites

The EPA is investing the funds to clean up and redevelop contaminated sites nationwide, supporting economic growth, community revitalization, and environmental restoration.

May 18 - Environmental Protection

Archway made of bikes in Knoxville, Tennessee over Tennessee River.

Knoxville Dedicates $1M to New Greenway

The proposed greenway would run along North Broadway and connect to 125 miles of existing trails.

May 18 - WATE

25mph speed limit sign with digital "Your Speed" sign below it.

Philadelphia Launches ‘Speed Slots’ Traffic Calming Pilot

The project focuses on a 1.4-mile stretch of Lincoln Drive where cars frequently drive above the posted speed limit.

May 18 - WHYY