Another group warranting special attention in the Show-Me Zero plan is pedestrians and other non-motorized road users such as bicyclists and those using personal conveyances (e.g., scooters, segways). Each year, more than 100 pedestrians, bicyclists or other non-motorized road users are killed in Missouri traffic crashes with speed, distraction, and impairment being the primary causes. In addition, a significant portion of pedestrian fatalities in the state involve users who did not begin their trip as a pedestrian. Rather, these individuals exited their vehicle for various reasons and were subsequently struck by a vehicle, often on high-speed roadways. Progress in this area will require increased responsibility and positive behaviors from both drivers and the non-motorized road users.
Featured Program: SafeAcross - Springfield, MO
The SafeAcross program aims to initiate a cultural change in Springfield toward being more pedestrian friendly. To encourage this shift, the campaign utilizes two key strategies – education and awareness. These strategies will be used to reach a wide range of Springfield travelers from all walks of life. Learn more about this innovative approach to improving pedestrian safety by visiting the SafeAcross website.
Vulnerable Road User Assessment
Almost everyone is a Vulnerable Road User (VRU) at some point in their daily lives. VRUs refer to people using active modes of transportation like walking, operating wheelchairs, bicycling, or scootering. All these people, including you, are especially vulnerable to being killed or seriously injured if they are involved in a traffic crash. This assessment, completed in November 2025, explores those users of the system and the challenges they face. Learn more by clicking here.
Continental crosswalks (crosswalks with alternating white lines across the roadway and flashing beacons help tell drivers where (and when) pedestrians are crossing the roadway. The beacons are typically used at mid-block crosswalks and are push-button activated.
