In the southwest Houston neighborhood of Gulfton, there is a higher than average percentage of citizens who walk, cycle and use other forms of transit.
Many of them, however, do not always feel safe doing so.
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Researchers say this is also a high traffic area for vehicles, which can make for a dangerous combination.
Researcher Dian Nostikasari spent months studying the area, especially around the Southwest Multi-Service Center on Highstar.
Nostikasari spoke with Gulfton residents who have seen wrecks and near-misses and says safety is about more than just sidewalks.
It's also about whether people feel safe when they leave home.
"We need more investments in terms of thinking -- how can we make our environment more safe, and more pleasant to walk and bike and use public transit?" said Nostikasari.
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She hopes the report can be used as a tool for people to organize and advocate for safety changes and improvements, not just in Gulfton, but in other neighborhoods as well.
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