These are the Nation's Most Pedestrian-Friendly Cities
Washington, D.C., is the nation's most pedestrian-friendly city, according to a study by The Texas Law Dog that analyzed data including fatality rates, walkability scores and the percentage of parks and recreational areas.
The nation's capital had a low rate of accidents involving pedestrians and a high walkability score of 98, with 24% of its area covered by parks and recreational areas.
Although it recorded a high level of accidents involving pedestrians, New York City had the lowest pedestrian fatality rate, with 23% of its territory covered by parks and recreation space. It was given a walkability score of 88, as New York ranked second on the list of pedestrian-friendly cities.
San Francisco secured the third position on the list with the second-highest overall walkability score. Boston ranks fourth with the second-lowest pedestrian fatality rate. San Diego rounds out the top five.
In sixth place was Portland, which prioritizes walkability and recreational areas despite having a higher pedestrian fatality rate per 100,000 compared to the other cities on the list. Seattle ranked seventh on the list, boasting a blend of natural and urban spaces and a balanced mix of safety and walkability.
Chicago secured the eighth spot with a pedestrian fatality rate of 2.03 per 100,000, one of the lowest among the top ten, coupled with a high walkability score and 10% of its territory covered by parks and recreational areas. Philadelphia takes ninth place, with its walkability rates and the number of recreational spaces making it a notable entry on the list, even with a higher pedestrian fatality rate.
Las Vegas rounds out the top ten with the third-lowest pedestrian fatality rate per 100,000 after New York City and Boston. Las Vegas' focus on recreational opportunities, with 17% of its territory covered with parks and recreational spaces, helped it secure its top 10 spot.
"Prioritizing pedestrian infrastructure is crucial for creating safe and enjoyable urban environments," a spokesperson from The Texas Law Dog said. "Cities that excel in walkability, pedestrian safety, and access to parks and recreational areas set a standard for others to follow. Emphasizing low pedestrian fatality rates and high accessibility to green spaces can significantly enhance the quality of urban living. Urban planners and policymakers should focus on developing strategies that promote pedestrian safety and convenience, ensuring that urban spaces remain sustainable and livable as they grow."
Source: GlobeSt/ALM