Memphis is the nation's most dangerous city for pedestrians

Memphis had the highest rate of traffic deaths for people walking in the US for two years in a row.

1 minute read

June 21, 2026, 7:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


People crossing a crosswalk on Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee.

A crosswalk in Memphis, Tennessee. | Erika Cristina Manno / Shutterstock

The "Dangerous by Design" report calls Memphis the deadliest U.S. city for pedestrians, the second year in a row the Tennessee city has taken that dubious distinction.

According to an article by Kailynn Johnson in the Memphis Flyer, researchers attribute the high rate of pedestrian deaths in the city to "wide lanes, frequent driveways and long crossing distances."

Memphis road safety researchers recommend a redesign of the dangerous streets with improved crosswalks, shorter driveways, expanded pedestrian space and more greenery.

Tuesday, June 16, 2026 in The Memphis Flyer

Young Professional

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 and Environmental 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 and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

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

September 16, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

Passengers board an Amtrak train under a cloudy sky.

Amtrak, CN end decades-long dispute with eight-year agreement

The new operating agreement establishes an updated framework for the companies to work together, including processes to resolve disputes.

September 18, 2026 - Mass Transit

The Gross Reservoir, a large body of water surrounded by trees and mountains.

Judges permit Denver to divert 77,000 acre feet from the Colorado River for reservoir expansion

Overuse and climate change have caused the Colorado River’s water levels to plummet.

September 18, 2026 - Inside Climate News

A rendering of the planned bridge over a large river. The bridge has two main support beams that form diamond shaped arches over the bridge.

Alabama scores up to $2.5 billion federal loan for largest infrastructure project in state’s history

The Mobile River Bridge and Bayway Project aims to ease congestion at Alabama’s worst bottleneck.

September 20 - NBC 15

Public land in Idaho. Most of the photo is a green field, with mountains and a forest in the distance.

Trump is considering data centers on 6 states' public land — some state officials say they had no idea

If the administration approves the proposed projects, data center and data center-related developments will cover 17,600 acres of public land.

September 20 - The Washington Sun

Two construction workers on a wind turbine, with two more in the background against a pink sky.

Despite court ruling, Trump is keeping nearly all wind projects in the US on hold

At least 110 wind energy projects have not heard from the government since a federal judge ruled that the Trump administration's freeze on wind turbine clearances was likely illegal.

September 20 - Heatmap