Between 2007 and 2014, Boston, Massachusetts rapidly expanded its bicycle infrastructure. Researchers from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health sought to assess the effects of this development on the safety of Boston cyclists. By assessing reported cycling accidents from 2009 to 2012, the researchers found that for every succeeding year within the data gathering period, the odds of cyclists getting injured in Boston streets decreased by 14 percent.
2. Between 2007 and 2014, Boston, Massachusetts rapidly expanded its bicycle infrastructure. Researchers
from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health sought to assess the effects of this development on
the safety of Boston cyclists. By assessing reported cycling accidents from 2009 to 2012, the researchers
found that for every succeeding year within the data gathering period, the odds of cyclists getting injured
in Boston streets decreased by 14 percent.
Another paper published in the American Journal of Public Health also showed improvements in cyclist
safety in 10 US cities that developed bikeway networks in main streets. Minneapolis, which grew its bike
network by 113 percent from 2000-2015, saw a 79 percent drop in severe injuries per 100,000 trips. The
city had the highest reduction in recorded injuries, based on the report.
These findings are concrete proof that dedicating roads for cyclists dramatically reduces their risk of
getting into traffic accidents.
Europe Leads with Cycling Infrastructure
Awareness of cycling’s viability as an alternative means to commute in urban cities is increasing. The US
can further improve its existing infrastructure and policies on bicycle road privileges by observing
European countries.
The Netherlands, Germany, and Denmark, for example, provide bicycle lanes, even “bicycle
superhighways,” for long-distance commuters. They give cyclists priority traffic signals and award them
the right of way over motorists. In some neighborhoods, the speed limits are at 20 mph or less to
discourage drivers from speeding up.
3. Numbers to Overcome
Pioneering bike-friendly cities in the US could imitate European traffic policies if they wish to
encourage more people to ride their bicycles.
Road safety has always been an issue for many as bicycles are very vulnerable on the road. The latest
“Traffic Safety Facts for Bicyclists and Other Cyclists” published by the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration reports the following data:
• The number of fatal accidents involving cyclists increased from 829 in 2015 to 840 in 2016.
• The number of fatalities has been steadily rising since 2007 to 2016.
• The majority of fatalities occurred at daytime (51 percent versus 45 percent at night).
• The majority of fatalities occurred in urban areas (71 percent versus 29 percent in rural areas).
These are the numbers that cities need to address. In the meantime, cyclists need to be vigilant as
they maximize existing infrastructure for their safety. They also have to be aware of their rights should
they encounter an accident on the road.
