Walking area streets can be hazardous, report says

By BRAD COOPER

The Kansas City Star

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Kansas City’s widely dispersed population and auto-oriented development are doing no favors for pedestrian safety.

A study released Monday ranked the Kansas City area as the 20th most dangerous place for pedestrians nationwide.

Nearly 11 percent of the traffic deaths in the Kansas City area for 2007-08 were pedestrians.

The report — by the Surface Transportation Policy Partnership and Transportation for America — showed Kansas City with the highest pedestrian danger index of any major city in Missouri or Kansas. The index measures the rate of pedestrian deaths relative to walking that residents do on average.

With 47 pedestrian fatalities in 2007-08, the Kansas City area had a danger index of 84.6, compared with a national average of 52.1. The index for St. Louis was 76.9.

Regional planners pointed out, however, that the area’s pedestrian danger index dropped about 16 points from a study in 2002-2003.

“It’s encouraging we’re seeing some signs of progress, but we’re still a long way from where we want to be,” said Ron Achelpohl at Mid-America Regional Council.

On Monday, Kansas City police announced they were cracking down this week on crosswalk enforcement. Ten pedestrians have died and 165 others were injured this year.

The least-safe city was Orlando, Fla.

To reach Brad Cooper, call 816-234-7724.

Posted on Mon, Nov. 09, 2009 10:57 PM

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