Pedestrians

Report: Dangers of Pedestrian Texting Overblown
Distracted walking is never a great idea. But in New York City at least, texting while walking only led to 2 out of 534 pedestrian deaths from 2014 through 2017.

In D.C., Sidewalks Don’t Equal Walkability
In theory, sidewalks are what make cities walkable. But in Washington, D.C., many sidewalks are not accessible to the people who use them.

Cars Still Rule the Road. Is Change Possible?
The dominant narrative is that streets are for cars and infrastructure that accommodates driving is necessary for cities to grow. But cities ended up this way because of decisions that make other modes secondary.

'No Crossing' Signs in Portland Limit the Public Way, Say Critics
In Portland, Oregon, transportation advocates are questioning the justifications for crosswalk closures in the city.

What Walk Buttons Do (and Don't Do)
Are pedestrian walk buttons effective, or do they only give us the illusion of control? It can vary.

In Crosswalks, Public Art Meets Transportation
Colorful, engaging crosswalks aren’t the norm, but they’re popping up around the country. And while they aren’t in line with federal guidelines, they have transformed streets and intersections.

Study Measures 150 Miles of Informal Footpaths in Detroit, Explores Their Larger Importance
A new study by researchers at Illinois State University and the University of Michigan measured the informal footpaths—also known as "desire lines"—of Detroit.

Op-Ed: Cities, Get the Scooters Under Control
Scooters are a useful addition to the mobility landscape, but cities need to address the many safety issues that come along with them.

Memphis Street Goes on a Road Diet
Separated bike lanes and new pedestrian infrastructure have replaced traffic lanes on a mile of Manassas Street in Memphis.

Little Projects Make a Big Difference in American Downtowns
Alexander Garvin argues that it’s time for the end of the mega-project in an excerpt from "The Heart of the City: Creating Vibrant Downtowns for a New Century."

A 'Curious' New Report on Pedestrian Behavior in Public Spaces
The Seattle Department of Transportation recently released its first-ever public life study.

U.S. Pedestrian Deaths Still Climbing
After nearly 20 years of progress in pedestrian safety, fatalities started climbing again in 2010. In 2018, pedestrian deaths jumped to levels not seen in decades.
Florida a Dangerous Place for Black Pedestrians
In the state that’s the most deadly for pedestrians, black pedestrians are 72% more likely to be the victims of a car crash than whites.

No Safe Options Mean Pedestrians Engage in Risky Behavior
Pedestrians are often blamed first for accidents, but they have few choices when the infrastructure is lacking, a new study shows.

Seattle Scrambles to Handle Upcoming Traffic 'Squeeze'
Dubbed the "Seattle Squeeze," heavier traffic is expected in the new year as the Alaskan Way Viaduct closes and downtown construction projects continue. While the city prepares, activists want to use the opportunity to encourage other modes.

Report: Walking to Work Pays Off for the Economy
A new report by Victoria Walks, an advocacy organization in Australia, quantifies the benefits of choosing to walk. The report also benefits the multiplier of the choice to invest in pedestrian infrastructure.

For Tiny Vehicles, Safety Comes With Numbers
Motorists tend to look out for hazards they expect. If tiny vehicles proliferate, including electric scooters, greater safety will follow.

Making Portland's Division Street Safer
About two people a year are killed on Division street in Portland, and many more inured, now some fixes are in place and more are on the way.

Miami Study to Connect Bikers and Pedestrians to Transit
The Transportation Planning Organization will budget a study on how best to connect trails to transit hubs.

Declaring a 'Pedestrian Bill of Rights'
What would equality and freedom for pedestrians look like?
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