The locations with the largest increases of pedestrian activity during the pandemic year are all in Florida.
A StreetLight Data analysis of the 100 largest U.S. cities found that a series of Florida metropolitan areas saw the highest rate of pedestrian activity in 2020, reports Cailin Crowe. "Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL; Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL; and Palm Bay-Melbourne-Titusville, FL topped the list."
While walking was already common in downtowns and large urban centers, "the rate of pedestrian activity outside of city centers saw the most dramatic changes in 2020 compared to 2019, with some pedestrian activity increasing or decreasing by 50%," explains Crowe.
According to the article, the data reflects a need among planners to adjust to the new realities of walking. Crowe also draws a parallel between these figures about increased pedestrian activity, and the ongoing challenge of pedestrian safety in many of these same locations. The Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL metro area, for example, also topped the Pedestrian Danger Index published earlier this same month by Smart Growth USA.
FULL STORY: Suburbs saw drastic changes to pedestrian activity in 2020: report
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