LOW-COST OPPORTUNITIES FOR MAKING CITIES BICYCLE-FRIENDLY BASED ON A CASE STUDY ANALYSIS OF CYCLIST BEHAVIOR AND ACCIDENTS (WITH DISCUSSION AND CLOSURE)

Cycling as a means of transportation has increased substantially in cities throughout the developed world. This increase in bicycle use has taken place largely on urban transportation systems that were not specifically planned or designed to accommodate cyclists, particularly in North America. As a result, these cities are witnessing increases in bicycle accidents and growing problems in coping with bicycle traffic. Furthermore, the proportion of adult cyclists involved in accidents has increased, reflecting the bicycle's increased role in urban transportation. Field observations of cyclist behavior were carried out at key sites in the cities of Winnipeg and Vancouver, Canada, whose road networks were not specifically planned with the bicycle in mind. These observations reveal that only half of cyclists ride correctly. Practices such as riding on the sidewalk, going straight from right-turn-only lanes and bus bays, and overtaking between traffic and the curb were common. In addition, two-thirds of left turns were done incorrectly and cyclists tended to "switch roles" between pedestrian and vehicle operator. These behavior patterns are compared with Winnipeg's bicycle accident experience, on the basis of detailed consideration of some 2,300 police-reported, bicycle-motor vehicle collisions over 13 years. The comparison indicates that many of the observed patterns contribute to accidents. To counter the increase in bicycle accidents and to make current transportation systems bicycle-friendly, low-cost opportunities in the areas of roadway modifications, cyclist training, and public awareness are proposed.