SIDEWALK TALK - February 2026 - NEWSLETTER

SIDEWALK TALK

This Month:  Sidewalks and Security

A perception exists that sidewalks increase the risk of crime. “Actually, increased pedestrian activity puts more eyes on the street and creates safety in numbers, which deters and reduces crimial activity” (AARP)

“Walkability doesn’t just stop accidents-it deters crime.  Well-lit, busy streets with pedestrian traffic are less attractive to criminals.  When neighborhoods have walkers and appear well-traveled, there’s a built-in form of surveillance, greatly discouraging unsafe behavior” (Streetscape.com)

“Statistically, cars and trucks are the conveyance of choice for the perpetrators of home burglaries and assaults in a home.  Streets convey all manner of people past and to our homes, and there is litle evidence to show that sidewalks increase the chance of crime.” (walkinginfo.com)

Sidewalks encourage pedestrian activity and lead to more people being present and observant on the street, which may deter and reduce criminal activity.

Just for Fun

What did the sidewalk say when it fell in love?

It was cement to be.

How Will We Pay For Sidewalks?

Pennsylvania is committed to walkability, as evidenced in the recent group of grants approved through the Multimodal Transportation Fund:

• $335,000 to East Caln Township to make pedestrian safety improvements

• $996,000 for Easttown Township to install new sidewalks, ADA ramps and crosswalks to enhance pedestrian safety around Beaumont Elementary

• $87,000 for Oxford Borough to install sidewalks

Grants such as these can be leveraged by Willistown to help offset the cost of building sidewalks without tax increases. Also, through WeConservePA, Willistown can apply for grant funding for techinical assistance in the development of plans and policies.

The stated goal of these WalkWorks grants is: “Making walking and biking safer and more convenient can help social interaction between residents, improve local economies and public health, and reduce air pollution”.