Random thoughts
Pedestrian injuries are the norm, not the exception, on city streets big and small.
The best way to build forgiving streets is to erect buffers, in both space and time, between fast-moving drivers and much more vulnerable bicyclists and pedestrians.
http://transalt.org/press/askta/050211.html
Many people are unaware of the stark statistic that a pedestrian hit by a car travelling at 35mph is twice as likely to die as one hit at 30mph, so a small increase in speed really does make a difference.
A child pedestrian hit by a car travelling at 20mph has a 95% chance of survival; at 30mph a 50% chance; and at 40mph a 10% chance.
http://www.birminghamfoe.org.uk/newslet/news0204/STORY_9.HTM
there's something wrong with a transportation system that keeps kids from making a short walk to school.
http://www.tstc.org/bulletin/19951103/mtr05805.htm