Actions to Curb New York City Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents

New York City is taking steps to combat bicycle and pedestrian accidents, but not all parties involved are in favor of proposed safety measures.

2010-10-24

October 24, 2010 (Press-News.org) On October 24th thousands of cyclists participating in the Tour de Bronx, New York's largest free bike event, will honor Megan Charlop who died in a fatal biking accident this past year. Charlop was a longtime activist in New York City and the mother of four. While attempting to steer clear of a car door she was knocked off her bicycle, and fatally hit by an oncoming city bus.

Unfortunately bicycle accidents like the one involving Charlop are all too common in New York City. The New York City Bicycle Safety Coalition was formed in 2006 after there was a 40 percent increase in yearly cyclist fatalities over the prior year. The Coalition's "Look" campaign aims to increase awareness among pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. Even with these activities, bicycle and pedestrian accidents continue to be a major problem in Manhattan and greater New York City.

Prevalence of Bicycle Accidents in New York City

According to the Epoch Times, an extensive study of bicycle fatalities in New York City between 1996 and 2005 found that 225 bicyclists died in crashes. Of those fatalities, 97 percent of cyclists were not wearing a helmet. Between 1996 and 2003, over 3,000 bicyclists were seriously injured in crashes with motor vehicles.

In the past, the emphasis has been on statistics of accidents between cyclists and motor vehicles. Just recently, the city began to collect data on both pedestrian and cyclist crashes to get a better grasp on what seems to be a growing problem.

Plans to Improve Safety for Cyclists

One of the main ways New York City is planning to combat bicycle accidents is by increasing the number of bike lanes. The city doubled the amount of bike lanes from 2007 to 2009, a period in which commuter cycling increased by 45 percent. The Department of Transportation now plans to construct an additional 1,800 miles of bike lanes in the next 20 years.

Bike lanes are designed to make the streets safer for all commuters, whether walking, biking or driving. Not everyone, however, is in favor. Space is valuable in New York City. Business owners say bike lanes limit customer parking and result in less business. One coffee stand owner claims he is selling 100 fewer cups of coffee per day because people cannot stop and pull over.

The Department of Transportation will work to consider the interests of all people involved as they go forward with the expansion of bike lanes. The goal is to add 50 miles of bike lanes each year, double bicycle commuting by 2015, and triple it by 2020.

If you have been seriously injured in a bicycle or pedestrian accident, contact an experienced personal injury attorney.

Article provided by The Perecman Firm, P.L.L.C.
Visit us at www.perecman.com

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Actions to Curb New York City Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents

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