Absurd “Pedestrian Safety Kit” Highlights the Perils of Walking in America

Given how fundamental walking is to our humanity and our health, it's sad to see how marginalized pedestrians have become in our transportation system.

How absurd is it that the simple act of walking would require special equipment, with the onus for safety placed on the most vulnerable? Nathaniel Hood at Network blog Streets.mn says this attitude is apparent in the Minneapolis area, where he lives, even from those who advocate for more walking.

That's why Hood recommends the $50 "pedestrian safety kit." Says Hood: "You might look ridiculous, but it’s better than being dead or having drivers slow down or designing our streets and places for people."

Elsewhere on the Network today: Human Transit wonders if privately operated "micro transit," like Bridj, is good or bad for cities. Rebuilding Place in the Urban Space says the amenities arms race continues to drive up costs in the DC housing market. And the Dallas Morning News Transportation Blog reports Republicans are actually more likely than Democrats to oppose the wasteful Trinity Toll Road.