These streets are made for walkin'.

Over the last decade, it's become a lot safer to walk or ride your bike. Even as walking and bicycling trips increased by about 25 percent, bicycle and pedestrian traffic fatalities declined by 6 percent and 16 percent, respectively. Trips by foot and bike now make up 12 percent of all trips. For bicyclists and pedestrians, there is safety in numbers. The more bicyclists and walkers on the streets, the more attuned drivers are to their presence, according to studies in Portland and New York City.

Delaware and Vermont passed legislation last year strengthening penalties for motorists who are involved in accidents with "vulnerable users" of the roadway (pedestrians, highway workers, equestrians, bicyclists, skateboarders or scooter riders). Connecticut, Oregon and Washington are considering similar bills this year.

Hawaii and New Jersey are focusing on education, street design and innovative enforcement tactics to protect older pedestrians. Police officers pose as "decoy" pedestrians in marked crosswalks; if motorists fail to stop, they are issued warnings or tickets.

In 26 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, "complete streets" policies require a focus on all transportation...