A Resident's Guide for Creating Safe and Walkable Communities

People need walkable communities where sidewalks, trails, and street crossings are safe, accessible, and comfortable for people of all ability levels. Pedestrian-friendly communities have many benefits, including: Safer environments for walking and bicycling, which means you are less likely to be in a traffic collision or get injured; Better access to more places, providing more choices in how you can get to your destinations so you don't have to rely on having a car; More opportunities to be physically active, which can improve your health and overall quality of life; and Opportunities for everyone, which includes a walking environment that accommodates people with disabilities. It takes the commitment and involvement of many people to build and maintain places that are safe and friendly for walking. This guide is designed to be used by anyone looking for ways to improve the walkability of their neighborhood, whether they are just beginning to learn about pedestrian safety or are already part of an established community safety group. Residents can make a difference by raising awareness of pedestrian safety issues and pushing for change. This guide provides examples from other communities working to improve pedestrian safety. It includes information, ideas, and resources to help residents learn about issues that affect walking conditions; find ways to address or prevent these problems; and promote pedestrian safety. The Resource Sheets at the end of the guide contain fact sheets, worksheets, and sample materials - these materials can be adapted to meet the needs of your community, or distributed to others working to improve pedestrian safety. The guide provides a thorough introduction to pedestrian safety and includes many references to other resources and materials for those interested in more in-depth information.