Walking

Every member of the traveling public is a pedestrian for at least a portion of every trip. If not all the way to their destination, individuals must walk (or, if they are in a hurry, run!) to get to rail stations, bus stops, bicycles, parked cars, taxis, or app-based rides. Therefore, one would expect that, given inevitable challenges pedestrians face such as exposure to the elements, infrastructure would be designed to make walking as safe, comfortable, and enjoyable as possible.

However, in many U.S. locations, sidewalks are missing from streets. Automobiles entering and exiting parking facilities unpredictably cross and obstruct the sidewalks we do have. Intersection designs frequently force those on foot to choose between waiting through numerous stoplight rotations to endure several dangerous street crossings or risking an illegal direct crossing that is even less safe. The absence of bicycle infrastructure harms pedestrians' well-being further, as cyclists make the logical choice to thread their way down cramped walkways instead of enduring hostile on-street environments.

We feel the ability to walk in a safe environment, on a direct route, comprises a basic human right. We support all efforts to further this human right.