The popularity of bicycling has drawn attention to methods for protecting bicyclists when they travel on public roads. Deaths of bicyclists in collisions with motor vehicles have decreased substantially in the United States (U.S.) in recent decades, along with motor-vehicle related deaths in general. However, between 2010 and 2012, U.S. bicyclist deaths increased by 16 percent, from 621 in 2010 to 680 in 2011 and 722 in 2012. Other motor vehicle fatalities increased by one percent during this same time period. Every year since 1975, bicyclist deaths have comprised 2 percent of all motor vehicle deaths nationwide. Between 2010 and 2012, six states — California, Florida, Illinois, New York, Michigan, and Texas — accounted for 54 percent of all bicyclist deaths in collisions with motor vehicles. California (338) and Florida (329) had the highest totals, as well as the largest increases (Florida, +37; California, +23) in bicyclists killed. In 2012, Florida had the highest proportion of motor vehicle related deaths that were bicyclists (5 percent), followed by California (4.3 percent) and Massachusetts (4.3 percent). In many states, bicyclist deaths in collisions with motor vehicles are infrequent. Twenty-three states averaged five or fewer deaths per year between 2010 and 2012, and in 11 states and the District of Columbia there were five or fewer total bicyclist deaths. Fatal bicyclist crash patterns have changed markedly. The percentage involving adults age 20 and older increased from 21 percent in 1975 to 84 percent in 2012. The percentage involving males increased from 82 percent to 88 percent during this period. Adult males comprised 74 percent of all bicyclist deaths in 2012. The percentage of deaths occurring in urban areas climbed from 50 percent in 1975 to 69 percent in 2012. Lack of helmet use and alcohol impairment have been and continue to be major contributing factors in bicyclist deaths. States rely on education and enforcement to encourage motorists and bicyclists to obey traffic laws and be courteous and alert. In terms of integrating motor vehicles and bicyclists on the roads, total physical separation is preferable. Where this is not possible, the goal is to reduce the time or distance in which bicyclists are exposed to risk via marked bike lanes, bicycle boulevards, separate bicycle traffic signals, and other techniques. These treatments can be supplemented by methods to slow motor vehicles down, and roadway lighting and warning signs to increase awareness of the presence of bicyclists. In many states and urban areas, engineering measures are being adopted to accommodate bicycles on the road, with the dual aim of protecting cyclists from collisions with motor vehicles, while encouraging cycling for its health and environmental benefits. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting