Individuals living or visiting Baton Rouge have several options for navigating the town, including traveling by foot. However, not every neighborhood in the city is equally accessible or pedestrian-friendly. Some feature characteristics that encourage people to walk, while others lack these characteristics and might not experience the same level of foot traffic.

Knowing the areas of Baton Rouge where more pedestrians are likely to be found is an important component of pedestrian safety. Last year, 23 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents, and many others were injured in bicycle accidents in Baton Rouge. By identifying Baton Rouge’s walkable neighborhoods, motorists can better understand those places where they should expect to encounter increased foot traffic.

Identifying Baton Rouge’s Most Walkable Areas

Whether a neighborhood is walkable can be somewhat subjective. One person might feel comfortable traveling by foot through an area that another person does not. Nevertheless, certain objective features make some neighborhoods more pedestrian-friendly than others:

Proximity To Amenities

First, walkable areas tend to be geographically close to shopping areas, mass transit stops, and recreational areas. These and similar amenities are what most residents need to access regularly. When these amenities are within easy walking distance, residents are more likely to walk than use a motor vehicle.

Presence of Infrastructure For Pedestrians

Next, the roads in a walkable community will have features such as sidewalks and marked crosswalks that enhance pedestrian safety. Such infrastructure can make people feel safer about traveling on foot. Conversely, individuals are less likely to walk to their destinations in neighborhoods where they are forced to walk alongside vehicle traffic.

Absence of Crime

Cars and trucks are not the only dangers that pedestrians face in a city like Baton Rouge. The amount of crime a neighborhood experiences can also play a role in walkability. Areas of Baton Rouge that experience higher levels of crime tend to be less attractive to individuals looking to walk.

4 Pedestrian-Friendly Neighborhoods in Baton Rouge, LA

When taking these factors and other considerations into account, the following four areas of town are the friendliest for people looking to travel on foot. While they may not display all the characteristics of a perfectly walkable neighborhood, they do offer amenities that, on the whole, make them better for walkers than other places:

1. Downtown Baton Rouge

Sandwiched between I-110 and the Mississippi River, the downtown area has both residential and commercial properties located in close proximity to one another. This means that people can live and work in the same area, making traveling by foot not just convenient but sensible as well. 

The presence of restaurants and access to public transportation make this area one of the friendlier neighborhoods for pedestrians.

2. Garden District

Called one of the most walkable areas of Baton Rouge, the Garden District and nearby Southdowns consist of residential areas with nearby retail establishments. Neighborhood grocery stores like Trader Joe’s, restaurants, and cafes make it easy for residents to access most of their needs without ever leaving the area.

3. Mid City North and South

The Mid City area should be considered pedestrian-friendly for several reasons. First, this cultural center features numerous art hop events that naturally cater to foot traffic. Beyond this, the area features several city parks and schools along with the accompanying pedestrian-friendly infrastructure of these features. 

Louisiana State University is also nearby. This area of town has one of the lower concentrations of traffic accidents in the city.

4. Kenilworth and Magnolia Woods

Finally, this residential area is near various medical facilities, such as Baton Rouge General Hospital and Pennington Biomedical Research Center. This means residents who work at one of these facilities will have a short commute and may elect to make that journey by foot rather than by vehicle.

Additionally, the area sports small local retail shops and restaurants, meaning that residents and visitors can find most of what they need without having to travel too far.

Baton Rouge Pedestrians Should Be Aware of How To Remain Safe

The fact that these neighborhoods are friendly to pedestrians should not cause you to believe all of Baton Rouge is equally hospitable. Baton Rouge was recently ranked the fifth most dangerous metro area for pedestrians. 

Regardless of whether the particular neighborhood in which you find yourself appears more or less walkable than another area, the following safety tips are crucial for avoiding injury:

Avoid Distractions While Walking Near Roads

Do not look at your cell phone or send and receive numerous text messages while walking. Similarly, do not wear headphones while walking on or near a busy street. Doing so can keep you from seeing or hearing an approaching vehicle, leading to an injury or fatality.

Make Yourself Visible

Even when walking by day in a walkable neighborhood, you can reduce your risk of injury by making yourself as visible as possible to motorists. This includes wearing bright clothing and walking in designated areas like sidewalks and crosswalks. 

Travel With a Friend

Finally, it is often advantageous to travel by foot with two or more individuals. 

There are several reasons for this:

  • A group is likely to be more visible than a single person
  • More pedestrians mean a greater ability to perceive and timely react against dangers
  • Another person could tell whether you are too inebriated or impaired to walk

Finally, in the event of a pedestrian accident, having another person with you means you can receive medical care more quickly, especially if you are knocked unconscious or are unable to call for help.

Neighborhoods in Baton Rouge You Can Travel By Foot

Not all parts of Baton Rouge are friendly and safe for pedestrians. However, some areas, like Downtown and the Garden District, are not just accessible by foot but tend to encourage foot traffic. No matter the area, though, remaining alert and aware of your surroundings is critical to staying safe as a pedestrian.