Aurgh, I went to the source.

...state and local transportation agencies place a higher value on speed (and avoiding delay) than they do on safety. It’s simply not possible to prioritize both. When faced with decisions that would elevate and prioritize safety for people walking but increase delay for vehicles, the decision-makers’ true priorities are laid bare."

So because some populations won't use the frikken' crosswalks, the Federal Government will force towns to redesign their streets to have more gridlock.