Halloween is this Thursday. Millions of kids will be hitting neighborhood streets this week looking for tricks and treats.

October is also one of the most dangerous months for pedestrians across the state when it comes to crashes resulting in fatalities or serious injury. Recent data from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) shows just how dangerous roadways are for pedestrians and cyclists alike.

Pedestrians are 1.32 times more likely to be involved in a fatal or serious injury crash during the last three months of the year than at any other time of the year.

Pedestrian crashes at night are more likely to result in death, while during the dawn, day, or dusk, pedestrians are at a higher risk of serious injury. Seventy-two percent of fatal crashes involving pedestrians occurred at night, with there being a slightly higher risk of fatalities on roads without lighting versus those with lights.

Unlike pedestrians, cyclists are at greater risk of serious injury or fatality during the summer months of July-September. These months account for nearly forty-five percent of all crashes for the year.

Daylight is also the worst time of day for cyclists in terms of fatalities and serious injuries. More cyclists are involved in crashes during this time of day than any other point in the day combined.

Knowing the importance of walking and biking to create vibrant, equitable communities, GOPC launched the Active Transportation in Ohio newsletter in January 2023. About once every six weeks, we provide subscribers to the newsletter with updates on everything from grant opportunities to fund development of active transportation projects, examples of exciting projects that are under development around Ohio, and updates about policy and laws at the state and local level that have a direct impact on active transportation development and public safety.

It’s a free newsletter, thanks to our philanthropic funders.

We launched the AT newsletter in January 2023 and soon came to realize that, while useful, there was a greater need for a resource for everyone who was interested in supporting and growing use of active transportation – especially better facilities that support active transportation users.

How to Build Safe, Vibrant Streets in Ohio: A Guide for Non-Engineers describes innovative approaches to making neighborhoods and streets calmer, safer, and more welcoming to people of all ages and abilities. In addition to providing a directory of resources, tips for developing active transportation infrastructure, and other resources which support AT development, the guide profiled six Ohio communities that have recently worked to develop and promote active transportation in a number of unique ways.

Be alert and be safe if you are traveling this week during trick or treat times in your community.