Lincoln pedestrian crashes up nearly 40% from recent average so far in 2025

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The streets of Lincoln are seeing a rise in pedestrian crashes this year.

According to the Lincoln Police Department, there were 61 such crashes from January through June, which is a 37% increase compared with the average in the same period from 2021 to 2024.

“A lot of times, I’ve seen when people are walking across the street, they’ll just jump straight out there and keep walking,” said Jack Dappen, who doesn’t drive and walks everywhere. “For me, I always give it a second or two because, you know, these cars, sometimes their brakes don’t work very well.”

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The data also show a noticeable decrease in bicycle crashes. They’re down 27% from the previous four-year average.

LPD provided the following statement to Channel 8:

“The Lincoln Police Department has responded to 91 crashes involving pedestrians, bicycles and scooters in the first six months of 2025 – down from a five-year high of 102 in 2023 for the same time frame.

Bicycle-related crashes have shown a noticeable improvement, dropping from 49 in the first half of 2024 to 31 in 2025. However, Pedestrian-involved incidents have increased from 44 to 61 during the same period.

Even with overall progress, the rise in pedestrian crashes tells us there’s still work to do. Warmer months typically bring more activity on our streets, so we remind drivers and all roadway users to stay alert and share the road safely.”

So far in July, LPD has responded to an additional seven pedestrian accidents, six bicycle crashes and two scooter crashes.

LPD did not specify what may be causing the jump in pedestrian crashes.

But those who walk the streets of Lincoln every day talked about just how careful they have to be at busy intersections.

“Watch the eye movements, and be very, very aware of the traffic signals,” John Camron said.

Dappen recalled one close call on 13th Street downtown.

“This woman just pulled into the intersection, and if I would have took one step further, I would have gotten hit,” he said. “These kids just don’t watch.”