20 Safest and Most Dangerous US Cities for Pedestrians

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?

1 minute read

October 10, 2024, 5:00 AM PDT

By Mary Hammon @marykhammon


Pedestrians and cyclists in busy city crosswalk with blurred motion

Christian Mueller / Busy crosswalk

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

  1. New York City
  2. Washington
  3. Boston
  4. San Francisco
  5. Chicago
  6. Seattle
  7. Louisville
  8. Philadelphia
  9. Denver
  10. Baltimore

10 Most Dangerous Cities for Pedestrians

  1. Memphis
  2. Phoenix
  3. Tuscon
  4. Albuquerque
  5. Sacramento
  6. Jacksonville
  7. Dallas
  8. Detroit
  9. Fresno
  10. Indianapolis

Monday, September 16, 2024 in Kuru Footwear

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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

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