Sidewalks play an important role in transportation, as they provide a

safe path for people to walk and separate pedestrians from the
motorized traffic. They aid road safety by minimizing interaction
between pedestrians and vehicles. In 2005, the Florida Department of
Transportation research commissioners published the Crash Reduction
Factor, giving an estimate that installing sidewalks reduced crashes by
installing sidewalks. By building sidewalks along streets, cities become
clean and communities live healthier in safer neighborhoods.

Many streets in the United States dont have sidewalks, with a growing
population and more cars in the streets it creates more contamination
and CO2 emissions. Sidewalks may have a small effect on reducing
cars mileage traveled and carbon dioxide emissions. A study of
sidewalk and transit investments in Seattle neighborhoods found
vehicle travel reductions of 6 to 8% and CO2 emission reductions of 1.3
to 2.2%.
Walking is a great alternative to reduce Co2 emissions, but its
also great for healthier communities. Walking is one of the easiest
ways for people to get the recommended amount of physical exercise

each day. Moderate exercise, such as walking, contributes to both

physical and mental well being. People with access to side walks are
more likely to walk to places and use walking as a form of
transportation according to the American Journal of Public Health
( 2001). Walking is not just good for the communities health but also a
key to reduce crime. With increased pedestrian traffic theres less risk
of violence and crime. With more eyes in the street children are safe to
walk from different points without having to worry that no one is
watching. Safer neighborhoods can lead to better living conditions and
good health.

Communities with no access to sidewalks are more likely to

represent many obstacles like high rates of pedestrian death, crime,
and more obesity. Walking provides many benefits but many places in
the United States were built without sidewalks, particularly suburban
areas in the decades following the Second World War. City developers
have worked to install sidewalks in new neighborhoods, but thats not
enough.

Even when the government is involved in some projects to rebuild

cities and streets, the locals and neighborhoods are the one that need
to pressure the government and local governmental projects. Kids
should be free to cross the street without having to worry about
speeding drivers. By building sidewalks along streets, cities become
clean and communities live healthier in safer neighborhoods.