How to Develop a Pedestrian Safety Action Plan

Abstract

The purpose of this guide is to present an overview and framework for state and local agencies to develop and implement a Pedestrian Safety Action Plan tailored to their specific problems and needs. A Pedestrian Safety Action Plan is a plan developed by community stakeholders that is intended to improve pedestrian safety in the community. An objective of the guide is to help state and local officials know where to begin to address pedestrian safety issues. It is also intended to assist agencies in further enhancing their existing pedestrian safety programs and activities, including identifying safety problems and selecting optimal solutions. This guide is primarily a reference for improving pedestrian safety through street redesign and the use of engineering countermeasures as well as other safety-related treatments and programs that involve the whole community. This guide can be used by engineers, planners, traffic safety and enforcement professionals, public health and injury prevention professionals, and decision-makers who have the responsibility of improving pedestrian safety at the state or local level. The guide contains the following chapters: (1) Planning and Designing for Pedestrian Safety--The Big Picture; (2) Involving Stakeholders; (3) Collecting Data to Identify Pedestrian Safety Problems; (4) Analyzing Information and Prioritizing Concerns; (5) Selecting Safety Solutions; (6) Providing Funding; and (7) Creating the Pedestrian Safety Action Plan. Chapter 7 provides the framework that state and local agencies can use to develop a customized Pedestrian Safety Action Plan. The concepts, principles, and information contained in this guide are based on national guidelines. Pedestrian plans and design guidelines from local and state transportation agencies throughout the U.S. are referenced throughout this guide.