The safety of pedestrians and bicyclists using the roadway is an increasing concern for the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). This report summarizes data for motor vehicle crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists in Michigan from 2005 through 2010. The results are compared to national statistics obtained from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the years 2005 through 2009. The purpose of this effort is to understand what is causing pedestrian and bicycle crashes in Michigan and determine if there are crash trends unique to the State. The analysis will form the basis for recommendations and alternatives to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety in Michigan. Between 2005 and 2010, 775 pedestrians and 147 bicyclists were killed in traffic crashes in the State of Michigan, accounting for approximately 15.1% of the total traffic related fatalities. Additionally, 6,948 pedestrians and 5,500 bicyclists were injured as a result of traffic crashes. In 2009, the pedestrian fatality rate in Michigan was 1.18 per 100,000 people and the national average was 1.33. The bicycle fatality rate in Michigan was at 1.90 per 100,000 and the national average was 2.05. Although Michigan reported fatality rates lower than the national average, Michigan ranks 23rd in pedestrian traffic fatalities and 19th in bicycle fatalities. Michigan has higher pedestrian and bicycle fatality rates than the states of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Pennsylvania. Lacking good exposure data, it is difficult to accurately rate the risk for pedestrians or bicyclists in each state. However, it is important to understand the crash trends and identify potential causes of the crashes. (Author/publisher) For other reports/appendices in this research project, see http://www.michigan.gov/mdot/0,4616,7-151-9622_11045_24249-279311--,00…
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