Safe Steps Or Serious Risks?
Stroll through one American city, and you'll breeze through well-marked, protected crosswalks. In another, you’re weaving through speeding traffic just to cross the street. That contrast speaks volumes. So, let’s start by exploring the cities where walking can feel like a hazard, before highlighting the ones that are getting it right.
1. Memphis, Tennessee
Memphis ranks among the most dangerous US cities for pedestrians, with a troublingly high fatality rate. In recent years, pedestrian deaths have climbed, driven by speeding and reckless driving. Poorly lit streets and worn-out crosswalks only make walking more hazardous.
Rafi B. from Somewhere in Texas :) on Wikimedia
2. Bakersfield, California
Bakersfield struggles with poor sidewalk connectivity in suburban neighborhoods that pushes walkers onto fast-moving roads, increasing the risk of accidents. In fact, 67% of pedestrian fatalities happen on arterial roads. Sadly, this makes its pedestrian safety infrastructure a work in progress.
David Jordan at English Wikipedia (Original text: David Jordan) on Wikimedia
3. Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Sunny Fort Lauderdale may attract tourists in droves, but it’s also one of the riskiest cities for pedestrians. Between 2019 and 2022, it recorded 8.6 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 people. Crowded streets and fading pavement markings create a hazardous mix for those on foot.
4. Jacksonville, Florida
High-speed arterials are a key factor in Jacksonville’s growing pedestrian risks. Roads like Beach Boulevard pose challenges with fast-moving traffic and limited safety features. Even with recent crosswalk upgrades, the city continues to face difficulties in improving walkability.
5. Tampa, Florida
Tampa's car-centric infrastructure leaves pedestrians vulnerable on high-speed roads, contributing to its high fatality rate. Nighttime is especially risky, with many crashes occurring between 5:30 and 11 p.m. On top of that, wide intersections and sparse crosswalks make it difficult for walkers.
6. Baton Rouge, Louisiana
With limited pedestrian safety measures, Baton Rouge remains a difficult city for those on foot. Fast roads with few sidewalks create an unsafe setting. Although recent numbers have held steady, poor infrastructure, especially in underserved areas dominated by high-speed arterials, continues to be a challenge.
7. Pompano Beach, Florida
Pompano Beach has earned a notorious reputation for pedestrian safety, with a high fatality rate. The dangerous design, featuring wide intersections and limited crosswalks, exposes pedestrians to fast-moving traffic. Florida's already high state rate of crashes only compounds local risks.
formulanone from Huntsville, United States on Wikimedia
8. Victorville, California
Victorville's streets are far from pedestrian-friendly. A lack of sidewalks forces people to walk on busy, high-speed roads, making it perilous for pedestrians. As fatalities doubled from 2020 to 2021, the risk is clear: poor urban design and high-speed routes are a risky combination.
Mlpearc, City of Victorville on Wikimedia
9. Macon, Georgia
Pedestrian safety remains a concern in Macon, where the rate stands at 7.7 per 100,000 in incidents involving foot traffic. The urban core experiences frequent crashes, driven by heavy traffic and poor lighting. Speeding on major roads and a lack of well-placed crosswalks add to the ongoing challenges.
10. Little Rock, Arkansas
This may not be the first city to come to mind for pedestrian danger. However, high-speed roads and poor lighting contribute to frequent nighttime fatalities. Little Rock also struggles with a lack of crosswalks and sidewalks, especially in low-income neighborhoods.
With the risks in mind, let's now turn to the cities making strides in pedestrian safety.
1. NYC, New York
New York stands out with a notably low pedestrian rate—just 1.32 incidents per 100,000 people. Thanks to the city’s Vision Zero plan and upgrades like enhanced crosswalks, pedestrian safety has become a clear priority. Locations with leading pedestrian intervals have seen a 60% drop in injury-related crashes.
2. Minneapolis, Minnesota
Vision Zero drives Minneapolis' pedestrian safety with 20–25 mph speed limits across 80% of streets. Curb extensions, raised crossings, and LED lighting upgrades at 50+ intersections have cut fatalities by 25% since 2018, boosting walkability in neighborhoods like North Loop.
3. Boston, Massachusetts
Massachusetts consistently leads in pedestrian safety, with Boston benefiting from policies like Vision Zero. Raised crosswalks and pedestrian signals, combined with lower speed limits on most streets, contribute to its safety. With the roads keeping speeds at 25 mph, the city leads on this front.
4. Hoboken, New Jersey
In Hoboken, pedestrian safety rates are high, with a 97/100 Walk Score. Most roads have 20 mph speed limits, cutting crash risks. Vision Zero's traffic calming, like raised crosswalks, has slashed fatalities, aiming for zero deaths by 2030.
5. Alexandria, Virginia
Alexandria's pedestrian safety is top-notch, with zero deaths in 2023. It has a Walk Score of 99 and 25 mph speed limits on most roads that boost walkability. Vision Zero's raised crosswalks and daylighting keep streets safe, with a large number of intersections upgraded for visibility.
6. Chicago, Illinois
Pedestrian safety is at the center stage in Chicago, with its policies and infrastructure investments. They have committed to reducing accidents by implementing better crosswalks and enhancing pedestrian signals. Additionally, over 100 miles of protected bike lanes enhance urban walkability, supporting safer streets.
7. Lincoln, Nebraska
Compact and pedestrian-friendly, Lincoln's planning gives residents an extra layer of protection. Urban planning prioritizes pedestrian-friendly zones in downtown areas, ranking it among the safest cities. Sidewalks and traffic-calming measures, such as speed humps, combine to make it even safer.
8. Fargo, North Dakota
Fargo's pedestrian fatality rate is incredibly low at 0.20 per 100,000 people, as recorded for the years 2017-2020. Extensive crosswalks and reduced speed limits on most roads contribute to the city's success in pedestrian safety. Smart urban design means pedestrians are always a priority in Fargo.
Tim Kiser (w:User:Malepheasant) on Wikimedia
9. Ann Arbor, Michigan
Traffic-calming efforts like speed humps help reduce crash risks across the city. School zones now have 25 mph limits, and 335 pedestrian-focused upgrades have been added to improve safety. With over 100 miles of bike lanes, walkability is on the rise—all in support of Vision Zero’s goal of eliminating traffic-related fatalities.
10. Plano, Texas
Plano ranks among the safest cities for pedestrians, with a rate below 0.75 incidents per 100,000 people. Highly visible crosswalks help reduce nighttime risks, while a well-connected sidewalk network and speed bumps enhance overall safety. Ongoing investments and thoughtful urban planning continue to keep Plano a standout in pedestrian protection.
