Risk by mode share; walking is commonly considered “risky” but what does that mean? After all, all forms of transportation have some risk. When compared on a per-trip basis — as opposed to, say, a per-mile rate — we find that pedestrian fatalities are only slightly over-represented, both for Arizona and for US averages. For example, the Arizona estimated mode-share for all trips is 9.3%, whereas pedestrian fatalities were 12% of all traffic fatalities for the period 2003 to 2006.
Some authors have argued that walking (and cycling. See, e.g. Pucher) is wildly risky.
Reference:
ADOT’s Pedestrian Safety Action Plan Study, Working Paper 1, Exhibit 2-3.