The Boston City Council has declared October as Pedestrian Safety Month, focusing on ongoing efforts to improve safety for walkers. Data from Boston EMS show a decline in pedestrian-vehicle incidents since 2015, reflecting the impact of city initiatives, according to the City of Boston.
This year, 207 pedestrians have been involved in vehicle-related incidents, showing that work remains to be done. In 2017, Boston lowered its default speed limit from 30 mph to 25 mph “to help make streets safer for people of all ages and abilities and to advance the goals of Vision Zero Boston,” as reported by the City of Boston.
Data from 2024 shows a 16% increase in pedestrian deaths in Massachusetts, with most reported in Boston. The Boston City Council passed a resolution calling for stronger pedestrian safety measures, including speed humps, raised crosswalks, narrower streets, better lighting, and clearer signs. Community groups have also urged improvements in traffic management and law enforcement. “By recognizing October as Pedestrian Safety Month, the Council affirms its commitment to safer roads for all travelers, particularly pedestrians,” the resolution states, encouraging residents “to look out for their neighbors traveling on foot,” as stated by the City of Boston.
