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Home > Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety > Pedestrian Safety in Communities

A Resident's Guide for Creating Safe and Walkable Communities

About this Guide

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

• Types of Pedestrian Problems
• Ways to Assess Pedestrian Problems
• Linking Problems to Solutions

Chapter 2: Who can help me make my neighborhood a safer place to walk?

• Step 1: Determine the Scale of the Issue
• Step 2: Build Awareness and Community Support
• Step 3: Identify the Department or Agency Responsible for Making Improvements
• Step 4: Contact Agency Representatives and Present Your Case
• Step 5: Build Support for Long-Term Change

Chapter 3: How can the safety of my neighborhood be improved?

• Engineering
• Education
• Enforcement
• Encouragement

Chapter 4: I need more information!

• Definition of Key Terms
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Links and References

Community Success Stories

• Community Success Story 1: Community Involvement During The Planning Process
• Community Success Story 2: Networking and Building Partnerships
• Community Success Story 3: Agencies Work with Community Members to Create Action Plan
• Community Success Story 4: Community Action and Fundraising
• Community Success Story 5: Comprehensive Pedestrian Safety Campaign
• Community Success Story 6: Planning and Engineering Solutions for Pedestrian Safety
• Community Success Story 7: Safe Route to School Walking School Bus Program
• Community Success Story 8: Pedestrian Safety Education
• Community Success Story 9: Enforcement Component of the Oakland Pedestrian Safety Project
• Community Success Story 10: Get Active Orlando Encouragement Program

Resource Materials

• Resource Sheet 1: Pedestrian Safety Improvement Activities
• Resource Sheet 2: Ten Reasons to Support Walking
• Resource Sheet 3: Identifying Pedestrian Safety Concerns Using a Walkability Audit
• Resource Sheet 4: Local Sources of Information and Materials
• Resource Sheet 5: Anticipating Concerns
• Resource Sheet 6: Ten Things Your Pedestrian Group Can Do
• Resource Sheet 7: Engineering Solutions to Improve Pedestrian Safety
• Resource Sheet 8: Safety Tips for Pedestrians and Drivers
• Resource Sheet 9: Strategies for Pedestrian Safety Education and Public Awareness
• Resource Sheet 10: Enforcement Contact Worksheet
• Resource Sheet 11: Sample "Warning" Letter to Drivers

Program Contact

Tamara Redmon
tamara.redmon@dot.gov
202-366-4077

Dick Schaffer
dick.schaffer@dot.gov
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