Recognizing the importance of pedestrians to its environment, the cities of Charlotte, North Carolina15 and Seattle, Washington16, among others, have provisions for a pedestrian overlay zone in their ordinances. These zones are applied around transit stops, in downtowns, and other areas where pedestrian activity is desired and expected. The ordinances address setbacks, landscaping, walls, parking standards, lighting, and other elements that directly impact the safety and comfort of pedestrians.
SECURITY AND SAFETY
This category represents steps that should be taken to foster either an intrinsic sense of personal security, or to enhance actions that may increase pedestrian security. These steps, when undertaken by a private management company, chamber of commerce, downtown association, blockwatch or homeowners association, can also promote a more secure environment in private residential areas and business districts.
Establish security patrols, either municipal or private.
The concept of neighborhood policing relies on getting police out of their cars and into the neighborhood. By working with local police, regular patrols by police or sheriff can be established. While not all of these patrols need to be on foot (many police departments use bicycle patrols or mounted police), citizens can work with local law enforcement to ensure that patrols are most visible during times when pedestrian are most vulnerable (for example, at night). For pedestrian areas that are active 24 hours and/or seven days a week, a small police storefront or mobile station in the pedestrian area provides a strong security presence. These can be funded through self-taxation districts, grants, or reallocation of general funds.
Block watch is an established format for increasing community safety. Information on organizing a block watch program is available from police departments and at a variety of Internet sites such as http://www.chandlerpd.com/cpd_site/fight_crime/block_watch.htm.
Another way to make areas safer for pedestrians is to work with local merchant organizations or campus police to establish security measures that account for pedestrian use at night such as escorts to parking lots and emergency phones.
Enforce traffic laws.
Speeding and red light running are epidemic in this region. Many communities have implemented 'slow down' campaigns and installed cameras at stop light to prevent red light running. Another way to reduce speeding is through stepped up enforcement.
Education can also help to reduce speeding. Placing electronic speed monitors near crosswalks helps remind a driver that their speed may be higherthan the legal limit. Public education campaigns also help alert drivers to the dangers of speeding.
