The authors evaluated the effects of on-street bicycle lanes installed prior to 2007 on different categories of crashes (total crashes, bicyclist crashes, pedestrian crashes, multiple-vehicle crashes, and injurious or fatal crashes) occurring on roadway segments and at intersections in New York City. A generalized estimating equation methodology was used to compare changes in police-reported crashes in a treatment group and a comparison group before and after installation of bicycle lanes. This study approach allowed to control confounding factors, such as built environment characteristics, that cannot typically be controlled when a comparison group is used. Installation of bicycle lanes did not lead to an increase in crashes, despite the probable increase in the number of bicyclists. The most likely explanations for the lack of increase in crashes are reduced vehicular speeds and fewer conflicts between vehicles and bicyclists after installation of these lanes. The results indicate that characteristics of the built environment have a direct impact on crashes and that they should thus be controlled in studies evaluating traffic countermeasures such as bicycle lanes. To prevent crashes at intersections, installation of "bike boxes" is recommend and markings that indicate the path of bicycle lanes across intersections. (Author/publisher)
Abstract