According to the new report entitled Dangerous by Design produced by Transportation for America, more than 47,700 pedestrians were killed along America’s streets and roadways, while another 688,000 were injured between 2000 and 2009. Those most at risk include children, seniors, the poor, and the disadvantaged, often because they cannot drive and/or afford to own a car.
The chart below identifies the most deadly large metropolitan areas in the United States for pedestrians. Large metropolitan areas are considered those exceeding one million in population.
The report clearly states that many of these deaths were preventable. The problem is that many streets and roads are designed only with the almighty car in mind and all too often leave pedestrians and bicyclists out of the equation. Efforts such as but not limited to Safe Routes to School, Bicycle-Friendly America, National Complete Streets Coalition, People-Powered Movement, and Rails to Trails are spearheading efforts to reverse the design elements that lead to unsafe conditions for pedestrians.
Please contact your local, state, and federal representatives and tell them you would like to see streets and roadways designed in a manner that is also safe for pedestrians and bicyclists. Also consider joining or supporting one or more of the organizations listed below:
Rick Brown
