Sidewalk

When streets aren’t designed for pedestrian traffic — either not wide enough for people to move safely alongside vehicles or without sidewalks — people’s health suffers in two ways. First, they may be less likely to get around by foot and to be physically fit. Several studies have found that having a place to walk or a more walkable neighborhood, featuring well-maintained sidewalks and walking paths, supports more exercise. Second, those who do choose to walk along roadways and shoulders without sidewalks are at greater risk of being hit by a motor vehicle. Sidewalks may reduce their risk of injury by 28 percent.