Arterial roadways—designed to accommodate higher motor vehicle volumes and speeds—create safety challenges between pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicle traffic due to many potential points of conflict. In the United States, the majority of pedestrian fatalities take place on arterial roadways.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2024
The Improving Pedestrian Safety on Urban Arterials project addresses these critical issues through innovative core practices inspired by global approaches. Sponsored by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), this initiative combines research, collaboration, and practical tools to help transportation professionals make streets safer for all users.
At the heart of the project is a dynamic Community of Practice (CoP) [LINK] that unites planners, engineers, policymakers, and other professionals to share knowledge, inform resources and tools, and implement practices. Together, we’re advancing three core practices and adapting them to U.S. contexts:
- Speed Management
- Road Safety Audits
- People-Centered Design (Movement and Place Framework)
Whether you’re looking for practical tools, opportunities to learn, or guidance for addressing local challenges, this site is your gateway to meaningful improvements in pedestrian safety.