Because people drive through my town like maniacs, speeding and running traffic lights. There aren't routes for pedestrians and cyclists to get around town without having to cross major streets at unprotected intersections. A lot could be done to improve the bikability and walkability, but the county and state own our major roads, and are historically more concerned with car throughput than pedestrian safety. This may be starting to shift, but that's the status quo.
Sounds like the local police should be pushed into enforcing the law. Reckless driving would definitely make cycling or even walking the streets dangerous for everyone, not just kids.
That's only one piece of the puzzle. As they say, the 3 E's of traffic safety are engineering, enforcement and education. The engineering of my town and surrounding area puts us in a really tough starting point. But I do agree that greater enforcement would help.
I used to hate the idea of automated red light cameras, but I've come around to thinking they're better than not having them. Also, cameras for people not stopping for pedestrians in crosswalks.
