Tag: pedestrians
New gadget gauges sidewalk compliance
A seemingly simple three-wheeled device — Wired calls it a “magic cart” — may make America’s sidewalks safer for the disabled. Created by Peter Axelson, who has used a wheelchair since 1975, the device is programmed with federal, state and local disability regulations. A worker runs the device, formally known as Prowap, or Public Rights-of-Way […]
(INFOGRAPHIC) Obscure law could trigger 20mph New York City speed limit
Last week, we discussed how greatly improved pedestrian casualty rates had led neighborhoods to request localized changes to the New York City speed limit – but the NYCDOT claimed that they didn’t have the budget for the switch. Now, it looks like an oft-forgotten rule might mean trigger a speed limit drop not just in some […]
WUI? New study blames pedestrian fatalities on booze
A recent study shows that over a third of pedestrians killed in motor vehicle accidents are impaired by alcohol, according to a recent article from the Cleveland Plain Dealer. A report published this month by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that total traffic fatalities decreased to their lowest levels since 1949, while pedestrian […]
Pedestrians or trespassers? Railroad fatalities skyrocket
New data released by the federal government tells an unfortunate story about railroad fatalities: Specifically, the number of pedestrians struck and killed by trains throughout the country has increased by 26 percent over the first five months of this year. Pedestrian railroad deaths climbed to 199 in that timeframe, a rise from 158 pedestrians killed […]
Up to speed with Paul Steely White of Transportation Alternatives
New legislation that would install 20 speed cameras in New York City aims to prevent traffic tragedies – tragedies like the one that killed a young couple in Brooklyn earlier this month, when a driver going 60mph down a residential street collided with their cab.
Has Houston’s walkability been overstated?
Studies and activists claim that the most pedestrian-friendly town in Texas really isn’t.
Discouraging news for pedestrian safety
Look both ways, and cross your fingers: it’s been a bleak week for pedestrians. Two unrelated, recently released studies catalogue the dangers faced by even law-abiding walkers and cyclists.