We All Play a Role in Pedestrian Safety

Every time we are behind the wheel, on two wheels or on our feet is a perfect time to remember the importance of safety and looking out for one another. October’s Pedestrian Safety Month is a good reminder that we all play a role in making sure people arrive at their destinations safely.

According to data from www.watchforme.org, there were 1,655 crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists on Connecticut roads in 2024. In too many communities, people can’t safely walk or bike to where they need or want to go due to a lack of sidewalks, crosswalks or other safety features that make streets safe for pedestrians and drivers. Many communities in the United States are designed exclusively or almost exclusively for automobile travel, with very little consideration given to the needs of pedestrians.

The AARP Livable Communities initiative supports the efforts of local leaders and residents throughout the nation to make their communities more livable and age friendly. Community residents and local leaders can find valuable information and inspiration to make communities livable for people of all ages at AARP’s website www.aarp.org/Livable.

AARP also offers a wide variety of resources, articles and downloadable tool kits on making communities safely walkable for people of all ages on the Getting Around: Walking website.

Making Connecticut More Walkable
Learn how to assess and report on the safety and walkability of a street, intersection or neighborhood — and inspire needed change. The free, downloadable AARP Walk Audit Tool Kit was created for individuals, local leaders, large groups and teams of just two people – in other words, it can be used by anyone who is concerned about the safety and walkability of a street, neighborhood or community. The walk audit booklet is organized into three parts and the print edition contains a back cover pocket for storing the tool kit’s worksheets. View and download the tool kit in English or Spanish at www.aarp.org/WalkAudit.

Making Connecticut More Bikeable
The free AARP Bike Audit Tool Kit is a companion guide to the AARP Walk Audit Tool Kit. The easy-to-use, image-filled guides – available in English and Spanish – inform and enable community members to assess the safety of their streets for all users. Produced by AARP and the League of American Bicyclists, the bike audit publication can be used by individuals, local leaders, organizations and others concerned about the safety and bikeability of a street or neighborhood. The guide is organized into three parts, and the print edition contains a back cover pocket for storing the tool kit’s worksheets. Visit www.aarp.org/BikeAudit to download or order the free publications, access the worksheet collections and find related content.