A Multiagency Effort to Reduce Bicyclist Fatalities and Serious Injuries in New York City

Abstract

This article describes a multiagency effort undertaken to reduce bicyclist fatalities and serious injuries in New York City (NYC). This effort was started in summer 2005, in response to an apparent increase in the number of bicyclist fatalities in NYC and began with a report that provided a comprehensive examination of bicyclist fatalities and serious injuries, drawing on multiple data sources including police accident reports, accident scene investigations, and medical examiner files. The city then announced a package of action steps to increase bicycling and promote safety. The authors of this article describe details of the investigation, the proposed action steps, and follow-up efforts. Topics include reconciliation of multiple data sources, development of the analytic plan, analysis and interpretation of the findings, locations of injuries (risk spots), and the five key categories in which the 38 actions steps were fitted: bicycle infrastructure, motorist and bicyclist awareness, investigation and enforcement, legislation, and improvement of data collection, analysis, and reporting. Among these action steps, the authors highlight commitments to complete 240 miles of bicycle lanes over four years, to conduct a citywide public awareness campaign on roadway safety, and to increase data collection efforts to better understand bicycle ridership.