Introduction
Ensuring pedestrian safety is a fundamental aspect of urban planning, and five U.S. cities have set the gold standard with bold policies, innovative infrastructure, and cutting-edge technology. By prioritizing people over cars, these cities have reshaped their streets to be safer, more accessible, and more equitable for all. Their success stories not only save lives but also provide a blueprint for other municipalities striving to create walkable, bike-friendly communities.
Through data-driven decision-making, rapid implementation of proven solutions, smart technology integration, and strong community engagement, these cities are leading the way in pedestrian safety. Their efforts demonstrate that with strategic investment and a commitment to change, safer streets are not just possible, they are achievable.
#5 – Portland: Policy and Infrastructure Leader
Portland has taken the lead in pedestrian safety through visionary policies and innovative infrastructure, with the city’s Vision Zero strategy at the core of its efforts. As the first U.S. city to implement citywide 20 mph residential speed limits, Portland’s proactive approach has created a safer urban environment.
Notable Actions:
- Deployed Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) at 468+ intersections
- Launched a daylighting program targeting 200+ intersections (2024–2026)
- Automated speed enforcement with 40+ cameras (2015–2024)
- Reduced turning speeds by 13% with left-turn calming
- Passed legislation to enhance road safety and traffic management
Results:
- 19% decrease in pedestrian fatalities (2022–2023)
- 56% reduction in serious pedestrian and cyclist collisions (2016–2021)
- 94% decrease in excessive speeding
#4 – Seattle: Data-Driven Pedestrian Safety
Seattle exemplifies how data-driven decision-making can dramatically reduce pedestrian fatalities. With an emphasis on comprehensive safety strategies, the city has integrated smart infrastructure with active community engagement. Programs like the Vision Zero Initiative, Stay Healthy Streets, and Safe Routes to School have helped Seattle create a safer, more connected environment for pedestrians, cyclists, and students.
Notable Actions:
- Invested $930M in the Levy Move Seattle for safety improvements
- Rolled out 260+ Safe Routes to School projects (2015–2024)
- Installed Leading Pedestrian Intervals (LPIs) at 50% of intersections
- Added 40+ miles of protected bike lanes
- Created 20+ miles of pedestrian-priority streets through Stay Healthy Streets
Results:
- 35% decrease in pedestrian fatalities (2021–2023)
- 38% reduction in serious pedestrian collisions (2019–2023)
- 60% decrease in pedestrian injuries from turning vehicles
#3 – San Francisco: Tech-Forward Street Safety
San Francisco has positioned itself as a leader in pedestrian safety through the integration of cutting-edge technology. Since launching its Vision Zero initiative in 2014, the city has combined AI-powered solutions with physical infrastructure changes to create a safer environment for all road users. The conversion of the Upper Great Highway (Proposition K) into a pedestrian and cyclist park exemplifies San Francisco’s commitment to prioritizing non-motorized transportation.
Notable Actions:
- Implemented PedSafe Phase II across 80% of high-injury corridors
- Installed AI-powered pedestrian detection at 200+ intersections
- Enforced a right-on-red turn ban at 200+ intersections
- Rolled out 100+ AI-powered license plate cameras (300 more planned for 2024)
- Completed Quick-build safety projects within 100 days
Results:
- 56% decrease in cyclist and pedestrian fatalities (2015–2021)
- 32% reduction in pedestrian collisions and a 33% reduction in cyclist collisions
- 98% compliance rate at smart crosswalks
#2 – Boston: Historic City, Modern Solutions
Boston demonstrates that integrating modern safety solutions into historic urban landscapes is not only possible but also transformative. Through its Vision Zero initiative and the Go Boston 2030 ReVisioned, the city has seamlessly blended innovation with its centuries-old infrastructure to enhance pedestrian safety. Its focus on reducing traffic speeds and expanding accessible mobility options reflects a commitment to a safer, more equitable city.
Notable Actions:
- Deployed smart mobility corridors with adaptive signal control in 150+ new locations
- Implemented Neighborhood Slow Streets in 30+ communities
- Introduced Green Links, connecting neighborhoods to public spaces with new paths and bike facilities
- Gained national recognition for downsizing street maintenance vehicles that clean and plow protected lanes
- Launched pop-up bus and bike lanes, tactical plazas, and performance parking initiatives
Results:
- 64% decrease in pedestrian fatalities (2016–2020)
- 48% reduction in serious pedestrian and cyclist collisions (2016–2020)
- 30% decrease of excessive speeding in 25 mph speed zones
#1 – New York City: Vision Zero Blueprint
New York City has set the standard for urban pedestrian safety through its ambitious Vision Zero program, making transformative strides since 2014. By focusing on reducing the speed limit from 30 to 25 mph, redesigning hazardous intersections, and enhancing traffic enforcement, the city has experienced a remarkable decline in pedestrian fatalities and injuries, setting a global example of how policy, infrastructure, and enforcement can reshape urban mobility.
Notable Actions:
- Completed 85,000 safety improvements, including 420 reengineering projects
- Installed 6,000+ Leading Pedestrian Intervals (LPIs)
- Redesigned 1,000+ intersections with pedestrian safety features
- Added 65+ miles of protected bike lanes and redesigned an additional 9 miles of bike lanes
- Upgraded 55 intersections to raised crosswalks
Results:
- 45% decrease in pedestrian fatalities (2013–2023)
- 37% reduction in serious pedestrian and cyclist collisions across neighborhoods (2016–2020)
- 56% decrease in serious pedestrian injuries and fatalities from left-turning vehicles
How Were These Rankings Picked?
| City | Fatality Reduction | Crash Reduction | Ranking (Average) | Ranking (Notable Actions) | Tie Breaker (Key Stats) | Final Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York City | 45% | 37% | #3 (41%) | #1 | 56% decrease in injuries/fatalities from left-turning vehicles | #1 Overall |
| Boston | 64% | 48% | #1 (56%) | #3 | 30% decrease of excessive speeding | #2 Overall |
| San Fransico | 56% | 32.5% | #2 (44.25%) | #2 | 98% compliance at smart crosswalks | #3 Overall |
| Seattle | 35% | 38.5% | #4 (36.75%) | #5 | 60% decrease in injuries from turning vehicles | #4 Overall |
| Portland | 19% | 56% | #5 (37.5%) | #4 | 94% reduction in excessive speeding | #5 Overall |
Conclusion
These five cities demonstrate that achieving exceptional pedestrian safety isn’t just an aspiration — it’s attainable with dedicated effort and strategic investment. New York City’s Vision Zero blueprint, Seattle’s data-driven strategies, Boston’s integration of modern solutions, San Francisco’s technology innovations, and Portland’s smart infrastructure showcase different paths to the same goal: safer streets for all.
As cities continue to grow and mobility challenges evolve, these leaders provide a roadmap for the future. Their achievements prove pedestrian safety isn’t just about reducing statistics — it’s about reshaping cities into more inclusive, sustainable, and people-friendly spaces.