Cycling Infrastructure Leads to 75 Percent Crash Rate Decrease in Some Cities
A recent study found that 10 cities in the U.S. were able to significantly reduce fatalities and injuries with improved infrastructure
Just in time for National Bike to Work Week, the American Journal of Public Health (AJPJH) has released a study saying the United States still needs major improvements to cycling infrastructure in order to encourage more bike commuters, as well as safety improvements.
“Traffic fatalities and serious injuries are not inevitable, and they can be reduced by implementing the right policies, especially improved infrastructure and technology,” said Virginia Tech’s Ralph Buehler, an associate professor in urban affairs and planning.
The research found that when infrastructure which encourages cycling is built, it can decrease fatalities and severe injuries by up to 75 percent. The majority of U.S. roads don’t have any infrastructure that encourages cycling.
“More and better bicycle infrastructure and safer cycling would encourage Americans to make more of their daily trips by bicycle and help raise the current low physical activity levels of the U.S. population,” Buehler said.