Examining the impact of cycle lanes on cyclist-motor vehicle collisions in the city of Toronto

Abstract

Abstract Objectives To examine whether implementation of painted cycle lanes in Toronto, Canada is associated with a reduction in cycle-motor vehicle collisions (CMVCs). Methods A pre-post design was used to evaluate the frequency of CMVCs pre- and post-installation of 7 cycle lanes in Toronto, Canada. Study data was obtained from Toronto Police Service reports for collisions occurring between 1991 and 2010. A zero-inflated Poisson model was used to determine the effect of cycle lane installation on CMVC frequency. Results Over the study period (January 1, 1991–December 31, 2010), a total of 23,959 collisions between cyclists and motor vehicles were reported in Toronto. Of these collisions, 329 occurred on the 7 lane segments included in this analysis. There was no statistically significant change, pre to post implementation of painted cycle lanes; however, a 19% reduction in the frequency of collisions per segment-month (IRR=0.82, 95% CI: 0.65, 1.03) was observed. There were also no statistically significant differences in the frequency of collisions that resulted in minimal/minor injuries (IRR=0.84, 95% CI: 0.59, 1.20) or in major/fatal injuries (IRR=0.72, 95% CI: 0.51, 1.01). There was a statistically significant increase in collisions that resulted in no injuries (IRR=5.00, 95% CI: 1.44, 17.28). Conclusion The implementation of painted cycle lanes had a non-significant effect in reducing collisions between cyclists and motor vehicles. Cycle lanes could be considered as a means to facilitate active transportation while reducing risk for cyclists, given the conservative nature of our estimate. Further research is needed on intersection treatments, cycle tracks, and bike volumes.