SAN DIEGO -- San Diego has been named one of the most dangerous cities to walk in, according a national survey released Tuesday by the group Transportation for America.

New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles were in the top three, while America's Finest City was listed tenth. The study showed the high number of pedestrian deaths in each city.

In San Diego, many pedestrians do whatever they can to cross local streets safely. In a 12-month period beginning in 2007, 113 people were killed.

"The problem is the built-in environment; it's built not for walking, but for cars," said Ken Grimes of Walk San Diego, a pedestrian advocacy group.

Grimes said 5th Avenue and A Street in downtown San Diego is not safe because it is near a freeway entrance. He said many pedestrians have been struck there.

Another downtown intersection, 2nd Avenue and Cedar Street, is one of the most dangerous areas for pedestrians, Grimes said, because the freeway ends and there are several confusing signs.

On the positive side, 5th Avenue and University Avenue in Hillcrest is considered safe because of the voice countdown and the zebra-striped crosswalk.

On La Jolla Boulevard, turnabouts have slowed traffic down and have helped keep pedestrians safer. The traffic measures have helped nearby business owners as well.

Grimes said considering pedestrians during planning projects, widening sidewalks and adding more zebra-striped crosswalks would make all streets more pedestrian-friendly.

Walk San Diego said El Cajon Boulevard is dangerous for pedestrians because of the high-speed traffic.

The group also cited the UTC area, San Ysidro (near the border) and Rosecrans and Midway in the Point Loma area as dangerous areas.

Walk San Diego said it would continue to raise money and work with local leaders to make safer decisions for pedestrians.