Overview of Walking Rates, Walking Safety, and Government Policies to Encourage More and Safer Walking in Europe and North America

Walking is the most sustainable means of daily travel for short trip distances and a key component overall transport system. This paper documents variation in walking rates among countries, cities same country, different parts city. Our international analysis official government statistics shows that are highest trips, higher women than men, decline with increasing income, remain constant as age increases. fatality much USA compared other countries we examined, both per capita km walked. Government policies would increase while improving pedestrian safety include: integrated networks safe convenient infrastructure; roadways intersections designed needs pedestrians; land-use regulations encourage mixed uses distances; lower city-wide speed limits traffic calming residential neighborhoods; reduced supply increased price parking; laws give priority to improved education motorists non-motorists; tax surcharges on large personal vehicles; strict enforcement against drink distracted driving. Five decades success these many European provide practical examples car-oriented follow, especially North America.