A new report from Walk Score has rated Rochester as one of the most walkable mid-size cities in the U.S., according to a recent article from the Rochester Business Journal.
Out of 2,500 mid-size cities across the country, Rochester was given sixth place. Buffalo came in slightly better at fifth place, while first place was given to Jersey City, NJ.
Walk Score analyzed cities with populations between 200,000 and 300,000; 10 million separate locations and two billion walking routes within the 2,500 cities were also analyzed and measured for walkability. This index was calculated using an algorithm that measured the number of walking routes, friendliness to pedestrians, population, and neighborhood data.
The news is especially welcome considering that in May 2014, the Rochester metro region was rated the third most dangerous city for pedestrians in New York state. WXXI News reported last year that the survey was released as part of a national index of the best cities for pedestrians conducted by the pedestrian advocacy group called Smart Growth America.
According to the 2014 survey, the percentage of traffic accidents resulting in pedestrian fatalities was at 32.5% for New York City, 19.0% for Buffalo-Niagara Falls, and 13.8% for Rochester.
The survey provided background for the Complete Streets policy, which Smart Growth America began promoting in 2011 as a way to advocate for better urban designs and safer streets. As of last year, Rochester was one of just 35 cities that adopted the policy; the city began increasing funding for public transportation, creating designated paths for walking and bicycling, and making non-vehicular traffic safety a priority.
As the Rochester Business Journal reported this past June, the public transportation system in Rochester isn’t the best system in the country, but city planners have stated that small improvements in the transit system have led to more economic growth. Currently, there are approximately 900 jobs within the Rochester metro area that are easily accessible via public transportation.
More public transportation options also increase safety for pedestrians and drivers alike, considering that around 20% of all car crashes are attributed to distracted driving. For Rochestarians, inclement winter weather is also a big contributor to vehicular and pedestrian accidents.
A recent report from Allstate Insurance Co. shows that Rochester drivers are a little less safe on the road this year than they were last year — so it’s clear that the city still has some improvements to make. Out of 200 cities, Rochester was rated 152 on Allstate’s 2015 Best Drivers Report, which is separate from Walk Score’s index.
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