http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQqzz5AnBl8?rel=0&start=663&end=1223&autoplay=0&w=640&h=360
Rising numbers of pedestrian fatalities in San Francisco and San Jose are drawing attention to what many walking and cycling advocates say is a longtime problem.
There were 21 pedestrian fatalities in San Francisco last year. It was also a particularly deadly year in San Jose, with 26 fatal pedestrian accidents. That's the highest number in nearly two decades.
"We don't know exactly why they're rising but we know what the solutions are, so we're focused on making a change," Nicole Schneider, executive director at Walk San Francisco, said during a panel discussion on KQED "Newsroom." Her group is working with the city on how to improve traffic enforcement, engineer better roadways and educate the public.
Schneider said police data shows that in 66 percent of pedestrian fatalities, drivers are at fault. But rather than focus on who is to blame, solutions should drive the conversation.