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Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety

Walking and biking are great ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector. But we have a long way to go to develop roadway environments that are safe and appealing to pedestrians and cyclists. Better street design, which includes specific, designated pathways for pedestrians and cyclists can improve safety, and encourage more walking and biking by providing more pleasant walking and biking routes.

About 5,000 pedestrians and cyclists are killed annually in crashes with light duty vehicles. Vehicles can also be designed to be less harmful to pedestrians and cyclists through changing front end shape and potentially even cushioning struck pedestrians, reducing the number of fatalities and severe injuries.

Public Citizen supports both the construction of more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly roadways, as well as the inclusion of a pedestrian safety rating to the five-star New Car Assessment Program.