The question of pedestrian safety usually takes a backseat to other public policy issues, but AARP has found it is a matter of great concern to older adults.
We recently released a survey of older adults in which we asked them to prioritize actions that local governments could take that would be most important to them. Only increased police presence and better schools were ranked higher than a more pedestrian-friendly environment.
Given what is at stake with pedestrian safety, it is no wonder older adults are focused on this issue. A new nationwide report released last month by Smart Growth America and the National Complete Streets Coalition in collaboration with AARP points out that between 2003 and 2012, there were 20 pedestrian fatalities in the Bangor area, accounting for more than 11 percent of the traffic deaths in the area over that time. During the same period, 108 people in Maine were killed by a vehicle while walking.
The report, “Dangerous by Design 2014,” ought to serve as a flashing red light for all of us. It notes that across America, more than 47,000 pedestrians lost their lives in traffic accidents during those years. It also found that a disproportionately high number of them were older adults, a fact of particular significance in our state, which has the oldest population in the country.
Adults aged 65 and older make up 15 percent of Maine’s population, but they were 35 percent of pedestrian fatalities across the state between 2003 and 2010.
The report notes that “older adults face more risks as pedestrians because they may be less likely to react quickly to an oncoming vehicle” and they are “less likely to recover from a serious collision.” It also notes, “as this age group continues to grow, doubling nationally over the next 30 years, street design decisions must accommodate their desire to age in their communities, remain independent and access destinations on foot as well as by car.”
These decisions are important for older adults but also for Maine’s economy. The longer individuals can stay in the communities they love, the longer they are supporting local businesses and charities. Not to mention the support they give to the local tax base.
Making our streets safer for older adults will also help pedestrians of all ages. After all, a curb-cut designed for a wheelchair can also be used for a baby stroller. A crosswalk made safe for a senior is also safe for a child.
As AARP works with individuals and organizations to ensure our Maine communities are great places for all ages, we understand that transportation is a key part of this effort. Roads should be planned, designed and built for all users of all ages. That means making pedestrian safety a critical objective from the start, not an afterthought.
Policymakers need to make it easier, not harder, for people who walk because of convenience, or to realize the health benefits of walking, or because they have no other means of getting around.
The path to greater pedestrian safety is found at the local, state and federal levels. On the local level, people can document dangerous roads and crossings and insist that public officials respond. Local residents can team up to conduct a “walkability audit” of problem areas. GrowSmart Maine recognized the cities of Lewiston and Auburn for their work earlier this year. On the state level, officials can make sure pedestrian safety is built into a project from the start.
Congress can play a constructive role as well by passing the Safe Streets Act as part of the renewal of the federal transportation law. The Safe Streets Act is bipartisan legislation that would require all states and local planning organizations to adopt safe streets policies for federally funded projects within two years.
Under the Safe Streets Act, the U.S. Department of Transportation and state and local transportation agencies that use federal funds would adopt a policy that considers the safety of all users when they build or substantially rebuild streets and roads. With this approach, we would promote the independence of older adults and the health and well-being of the entire community.
Crossing the street should be a matter of stop and go, not life and death. Let’s give pedestrian safety the visibility and strong support it deserves. You can find out more at www.aarp.org/livable.
Roberta Downey is a resident of Bangor and a member of the AARP Maine Executive Council.