Urban planners add sidewalks in areas where there might be high foot traffic. Often, you find paved paths in parks and other green spaces designed to lead pedestrians in a certain direction. A sidewalk can also be used to increase safety, by giving pedestrians a place to commute along a road. 

What Makes a Pedestrian Feel Safe?

Imagine a busy roadway with passing cars. If there is a shoulder, you may walk on it with caution, watching vehicles pass to confirm your safety. Now imagine there is a sidewalk directly next to the road. This additional separation makes you feel safer. Pedestrians feel more comfortable with increased distance between a sidewalk and busy street.

Give Pedestrians a Designated Place to Walk

In urban areas, members of the community want a place to walk, run and bike safely. Installing sidewalks gives pedestrians the opportunity to become active without the fear of being hit by a car that strays from their lane. 

Prevents Tragedy

Each year, 4,500 pedestrians are killed in traffic crashes with motor vehicles in the United States. Most of these tragedies are preventable. In fact, roadways without sidewalks are twice as likely to have pedestrian crashes than those with a sidewalk on each side of the street. Adding sidewalks near roads make pedestrian trips safer and more viable.

Decreases Roadway Crashes

Providing designated walkways for pedestrians limits the possibility of a vehicle-pedestrian crash from occurring. Approximately 88 percent of “walking along roadway crashes” can be prevented with sidewalk installation. 

Installing a sidewalk along a busy roadway provides many benefits including safety and mobility. Communities with sidewalks are also healthier. Jerdon installs sidewalks for communities who want pedestrians to feel safe along roadways. Contact us to learn more about urban sidewalk installation.