Why Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety Remains a Growing Public Concern

Pedestrian and cyclist fatalities are increasing in the United States, with over 7,500 pedestrian deaths and more than 1,100 cyclist deaths reported in 2022. Multiple factors contribute to this dangerous trend, including greater numbers of people choosing active transportation for health and environmental reasons, outdated road infrastructure originally designed primarily for vehicles, and the proliferation of larger SUVs and trucks that pose heightened risks to vulnerable road users. Additional hazards include rising vehicle speeds, widespread distracted driving and walking due to mobile device use, and inadequate lighting and visibility conditions.