The first step to creating a safe environment for pedestrians and motorists is to change the fundamental perception of roadways as solely the motorist's domain. Our transportation system emphasizes private motor vehicles often at the expense of pedestrians and other users. It is important, then to consider pedestrians' needs as a part of routine planning, not something that is tacked on as an afterthought. Appropriate lighting, signing, striping, and intersection design can all be used to reduce dangers to pedestrians. It is also important for any educational outreach effort to consider the driver's perspective without minimizing pedestrians' needs and rights.
Effective enforcement includes citing pedestrians and motorists who violate traffic laws.
However, much of what can be done about enforcement and regulation of pedestrian actions occurs at the local level. Areas with high concentrations of pedestrian infractions and pedestrian-related motor vehicle crashes should be targeted for high enforcement. In many cases, revisions of local traffic rules or consideration of new laws are needed to promote and encourage safer pedestrian activities. For the Michigan Walkable Communities Pedestrian Safety Program guide, click here .