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Exploring a city on foot should be simple and safe, yet not every urban area makes walking easy or risk free. A new analysis from footwear company KURU ranks 36 major U.S. cities from most to least pedestrian friendly in 2025. The list combines WalkScore ratings with pedestrian fatality statistics, offering travelers insight into where walking is encouraged and where it may be more hazardous.
What Makes a City Safer for Walking
Transit and Street Design
New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Chicago appear near the top of the safety rankings. These metros benefit from strong public transit networks, well marked crosswalks, traffic lights and street layouts that slow vehicles. Since many residents rely less on cars, there are fewer opportunities for dangerous collisions with pedestrians.
Walkability and Neighborhood Design
Higher Walk Scores reflect more connected sidewalks, short distances between destinations and lively mixed use districts. These features create an environment where walking is not only practical but also pleasant.
Why Some Cities Rank Lower for Pedestrian Safety
Car Dependent Layouts
Cities such as Albuquerque, Las Vegas, Mesa and Fort Worth sit on the riskier side of the list. Wide, high speed roads and suburban style sprawl limit walkability and encourage driving, putting pedestrians at greater risk.
Tourism and Traffic Levels
Visitor volume can add to the danger. Las Vegas and Charlotte, for instance, experience heavy tourist traffic while lacking robust pedestrian infrastructure, raising the likelihood of accidents for those on foot.
A Personal Note
I had not heard of KURU until my wife bought me a pair of their shoes for my birthday in May. After wearing them all summer and enjoying them so much that I ordered the same pair again, I now notice when the brand surfaces. Their pedestrian safety report caught my attention both as a traveler who loves cities and as someone who appreciates their footwear.
Once afraid to fly Johnny Jet is now a Forbes Top 10 Travel Influencer. He’s flown millions of miles explored 70+ countries and travels with his wife and two children.
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