A Resident's Guide for Creating Safe and Walkable Communities

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Chapter 1: How can I identify problems with walking conditions in my neighborhood?

Resource Sheet 2: Ten Reasons to Support Walking describes why it is important to improve pedestrian safety and encourage walking in your community.

Some communities lack sidewalks, curb ramps, and other pedestrian facilities, making it difficult for people to travel safely and easily on foot.

You may be afraid to cross a street to walk to a nearby store, nervous for your children to ride their bikes in your neighborhood, or face obstacles when traveling using a wheelchair or stroller. If you have concerns but are unsure what the problems are, the information in this section can help you identify and describe them.

To be able to walk safely in their community, pedestrians need:

  • A safe space to walk—This includes 1) a smooth, unobstructed walking surface at least wide enough for two wheelchairs to pass each other, 2) a sidewalk or path that is separated from traffic, and 3) safe street crossings with appropriate crosswalks, signs, and signals. In places with slow speeds or very little traffic, a paved shoulder or the roadway itself may be safe enough for walking. Regardless of where the walkway is, it must be safe for all pedestrians, including children and those with disabilities.
  • The ability to see or detect traffic—Pedestrians should also be able to be seen by oncoming vehicles, both day and night.
  • Access to sidewalks and crossings—This may include having well-designed curb ramps to ease changes in elevation/grade.
  • Enough time to cross streets—Pedestrians should have time to cross at intersections and crossings with or without pedestrian signals. If there are no signals at the crossing, there must be adequate gaps in traffic to safely cross.
  • Signs and markings designating the pedestrian route—This includes crosswalk markings, pedestrian way-finding signs, and pedestrian detour signs in construction areas. These signs should be understandable to those with limited English language skills.
  • Continuous facilities—The pedestrian network should be free from gaps, obstructions, and abrupt changes in direction or width.

 

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Program Contact

Tamara Redmon

202-366-4077

Dick Schaffer

202-366-2176

What’s New

The FHWA Safety Office is continually developing new materials to assist states, localities and citizens in improving pedestrian and bicycle safety. The materials listed on this page were completed recently.

New Spotlight on Pedestrian Safety

New Promoting the Implementation of Proven Pedestrian Countermeasures

Pedestrian Forum - Fall 2011

State Best Practice Policy for Medians

State Best Practice Policy for Shoulders and Walkways

Pedestrian Countermeasure Policy Best Practice Report

The State of Florida is developing a statewide Pedestrian Safety Action Plan. They have set up a project website that includes information about the project, workshop presentations and resources relating to pedestrian safety.

Evaluating Pedestrian Safety Countermeasures

Safety Benefits of Raised Medians and Pedestrian Refuge Areas: Brochure, Booklet

Safety Benefits of Walkways, Sidewalks, and Paved Shoulders: Brochure, Booklet

Pedestrian Safety Strategic Plan