Nearly every trip begins and ends on foot, yet many urban environments fail to prioritize pedestrians in their design. If walking offers so many benefits, why, especially in America, is it not a more common part of daily life? In these environments, walking often feels unsafe, inconvenient, or unappealing. When walking, the brain uses visual and physical cues to quickly assess whether a journey feels safe, stimulating, and worth continuing. In contrast, when spaces feel empty or lack activity, the brain fills in details and often assumes the worst to protect us from what might lurk around the corner.