Pedestrian safety is a vital component to a walkable city. Which large cities in the United States have a leg up, and which are trailing behind?

A new study by shoe company Kuru Footwear ranks 36 most populous U.S. cities according to how foot-friendly they are. The study used pedestrian death data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration combined with overall Walk Score to calculate its results. That means the safest cities have fewer fatal pedestrian accidents and higher walking scores.The study notes, “Many of these cities have also implemented various measures to enhance pedestrian safety, such as traffic-calming measures, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, improved crosswalks, and education campaigns.” In contrast, the cities ranked as least safe for pedestrians have the highest number of pedestrian deaths, low walking scores, and fewer pedestrian safety interventions.
10 Safest Cities for Pedestrians
- New York City
- Washington
- Boston
- San Francisco
- Chicago
- Seattle
- Louisville
- Philadelphia
- Denver
- Baltimore
10 Most Dangerous Cities for Pedestrians
- Memphis
- Phoenix
- Tuscon
- Albuquerque
- Sacramento
- Jacksonville
- Dallas
- Detroit
- Fresno
- Indianapolis
FULL STORY: How Safe Are U.S. Cities for Pedestrians? See if Your City Made the List in Our 2024 Rankings

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

Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).

The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.

How Public Spaces Exclude Teen Girls
Adolescent girls face unique challenges and concerns when navigating public spaces. We can design cities with their needs in mind.

Proposed Ohio Budget Preserves Housing Trust Fund
The Senate-approved budget also creates two new programs aimed at encouraging housing construction.

DOJ Says Trump Has Power to Roll Back National Monuments
The opinion sheds light on how the administration may justify its effort to eliminate protected public lands.
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