10 American cities accessible and safe for pedestrians

Andy Castillo

August 31, 2023

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NYC & Company/Jen Davis

Amid a recent increase in roadway deaths nationally, pedestrian safety has become a prioritized topic in city halls and county offices across the United States. Research has proven that traffic calming features and smart urban planning can dramatically reduce the risk for pedestrians. Some cities are better at it than others.

A new ranking from the footware brand KURU outlines the safest—and most dangerous—American cities for pedestrians. Analysts considered 37 metro centers with a population greater than 500,000 people since 2020. They analyzed data like the pedestrian fatality rate from the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, and ranked each city by a score of between zero and 100.

“As a travel enthusiast, you know the joy of strolling through the vibrant streets of a new city. Our study aims to highlight the cities where you can roam worry-free, exploring every nook and cranny with confidence. At the same time, we also draw attention to the areas where pedestrian safety concerns warrant greater attention,” a statement about the findings says.

The top 10 safest cities can be found in the gallery above. A complete list that includes all 37 cities ranked can be found on KURU’s website.

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