Orlando Improves Pedestrian Safety with Street Redesigns
Smart Growth America's "Dangerous by Design" report highlights cities unsafe for pedestrians, while Orlando shows significant progress in reducing fatalities through intentional street changes.
A new report from Smart Growth America, "Dangerous by Design," has identified the most dangerous cities for pedestrians in the U.S., while also spotlighting Orlando, Florida, for its successful efforts to improve street safety.
The report indicates a substantial increase in pedestrian fatalities nationwide since 2009. While a slight decrease was noted in 2024, researchers attribute this primarily to increased traffic congestion as pandemic-era lockdowns eased, rather than systemic safety improvements. Advocates criticize transportation leaders for focusing on congestion over safety.
Orlando, however, has achieved a significant reduction in pedestrian deaths. The city implemented targeted changes, including increasing the number of crossings, improving crosswalk visibility and lighting, and prioritizing safety projects near schools and known speed-problem areas.
Despite Orlando's success, the report notes that over 80% of states and metropolitan areas have become deadlier for pedestrians over time. Only a small fraction of areas have seen a reduction in fatalities. Safety advocates are urging transportation agencies to adopt design standards that prioritize safety over traffic flow.