Pedestrian Safety

In an effort to improve safety and mobility for pedestrians and cyclists, Washington, DC has embarked on a number of livable streets reforms (market rate street parking), and is considering others (reclaiming auto-occupied street space for people). Though a recent article in the Washington Post casts these initiatives as a "war" against car commuters, it's clear that DC officials -- like those in many US cities -- are in fact acting to level the field following decades of auto dominance, and at a time when driving has become a more expensive, less desirable option.

From the comments section, Streetsblogger M reported yesterday that in their rush to get footage of traffic KNBC, with an assist from the CHP, blocked the sidewalk forcing pedestrians onto an unsafe piece of LA roadways.  It's great that California's hands free requirement went into effect yesterday, but couldn't we think of a better way to celebrate than endangering walkers?

Out with the old...

Less pressing for whom?  When the Federal Highway Administration discusses the conflict between pedestrians and automobiles it ranks “right on red” as the top concern.  A look at crash fatality statistics nationwide shows that in Los Angeles, almost one quarter of all crash fatalities are pedestrians.