Keeping New York Cyclists Fit -Safely
New York City has a higher rate of cycling for transportation than the rest of the US (11% vs. 3%) but is still has a bicycle death rate nearly equal to that of the rest of the country (2.8 per one million residents)
Nearly all fatalities (92%) occurred as a result of crashes with motor vehicles. Nearly all (94%) fatalities involved poor driving or bicycle riding practices, particularly driver inattention and disregarding traffic signals and signs. Although there are many more miles of local roads, more than half of fatal crashes occurred on arterial (large, four lane) roads (53%).
This data showed ways that we might be able to prevent injuries and fatalities. The authors note that only one fatal crash with a motor vehicle occurred when a bicyclist was in a marked bicycle lane, nearly all bicyclists who died (97%) were not wearing a helmet, most fatal crashes (74%) involved a head injury. Therefore, wear a properly fitting helmet and try to ride mostly or only in marked bicycle lanes. Teach bicycle safety to children early. Pay attention!
 Tip: Brooklyn, Manhattan and the Bronx- Bicycle Danger Zones
The New York City government identified nine possible clusters for bicycle fatalities in New York City.
Locations where fatalities occurred in closest proximity:
- The east side of Manhattan north of midtown
- Park Slope in Brooklyn
- Hunts Point in the Bronx
Serious bicycle injuries are defined as injuries that require the bicyclist to be taken to the hospital, and may include amputation, concussion, internal bleeding, severe burns, fracture and dislocation. Geographically, Manhattan had the highest rate of serious bicycle injuries per population size. Slightly more than a third (34%) of all crashes resulting in serious bicyclist injury took place in Brooklyn. Thirty-one percent of serious bicyclist injuries were in Manhattan. Surprisingly, large vehicles were the worst offenders, not yellow taxis!
Locations where injuries occurred in close proximity:
- Midtown Manhattan
- The northern sides of Central Park
- Central Bronx
Danger Trends:
1. Men and Children are particularly at risk.
2. Most bicyclists who died were male (91%). Men aged 45–54 had the highest death rate (8.3 per million) per age group. Among children aged 5–14, the death rate for boys was more than five times higher than for girls.
3. Teens had the highest child bicycle death.
4. Most common (38%) times of death 3 pm – 8 pm.
Most common reasons found for bicycle accidents:
Most common reason on the part of the motor vehicle driver was inattention (39%) and unsafe speed (12%). On the part of the cyclist, the most common reason was disregarding traffic controls (38%), followed by inattention (20%).
Just as cyclists want motor vehicle drivers to be thoughtful of cyclist- cyclists to should be careful not to be the cause of a pedestrian’s injury! The study showed that of pedestrian fatalities from injuries by bicycles- most were older adults with an average age of 64 years. Most crashes (73%) took place in Manhattan. (8 crashes, 73%); 3 occurred within a 1/4 mile radius of Murray Hill.
Bicycle Safety Recommendation Issued by New York City:
For Motor Vehicle drivers:
• Be aware at all times—Motorist inattention was found to be the most frequent known contributing factor for motor vehicle drivers in both fatal and serious injury bicycle crashes.
• Respect bicyclists’ right to the road—By law, a bicyclist is granted the same rights to the road as a motor vehicle. However, in the case of an accident between a motor vehicle and a bicyclist, the bicyclist bears a far greater risk of death and injury than a driver. Motor vehicle drivers should be reminded that driving and parking in bicycle lanes is against the law, and that staying alert when turning can save lives.
• Take additional precautions when driving large vehicles—Due to the additional danger large vehicles pose and drivers’ diminished ability to see bicyclists, drivers of trucks, vans and large sport utility vehicles should exercise extreme caution, particularly at intersections. Consider the use of cross over mirrors. Large vehicle drivers should be especially careful of the rear part of their vehicle when making a right turn.
• Obey speed limits—Unsafe speed by motor vehicle drivers was the second most frequent known contributing factor to fatal bicycle crashes.
For Bicyclists:
• Wear a bicycle helmet at all times while riding—Nearly three-quarters of bicyclist fatalities with available information involved an injury to the head. Nonetheless, our data suggest nearly all (97%) riders involved in a fatal crash, and 87% of riders seriously injured were not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. *Bicycle helmet usage is mandatory for all children under the age of 14 in New York; New York City has bicycle helmet programs.
• Follow traffic rules and control devices—Disregarding traffic controls such as traffic signs or signals was the most frequent contributing factor among bicyclist fatalities and the second most frequent contributing factor in serious injuries.
• Be alert when crossing roadway intersections—Most bicyclist fatalities occurred within 25 feet of an intersection. Even when following traffic signals properly, bicyclists need to stay alert when crossing roadway intersections.
• Stay on designated bicycle lanes whenever possible—Designated lanes may provide bicycle riders additional protection from motor vehicles and increase awareness among drivers. Riders are also cautioned against riding on limited access highways, which is prohibited by law. Crashes on limited access highways accounted for 7% of all fatal crashes. Bicycle maps are available from the City of New York.
• Be aware at all times—Bicyclist inattention was the second most frequent known contributing factor to fatal bicycle crashes.
• Stay off sidewalks and exercise care around pedestrians—The majority of pedestrian deaths occurred on a sidewalk or in a designated lane shared by pedestrians and bicyclists.
• Wear bright clothing and reflectors, educate riders to stop and look before entering roadways.
• Supervise young children and teach children bicycle safety early- check out NYC safety programs.
Key New York City and New York State Traffic Laws for Motorist and Bicyclists
Laws for bicyclists:
• Riding bicycles on sidewalks is prohibited.
• Bicyclists must ride with traffic.
• Bicyclists must use a bicycle lane or path if provided except for access, safety, and turns.
• Bicycles are prohibited on expressways, drives, highways, interstate routes and thruways unless authorized by signs.
• A bicycle rider must ride on a permanent seat with feet on pedals. The bicycle must carry only the number of persons for which it is designated and equipped.
• Attaching a bicycle to another vehicle being operated on a roadway is prohibited.
• The following equipment is required: a white headlight and red taillight from dusk to dawn, a bell or other audible signal (not whistle), working brakes, and reflective tires and/or other reflective devices.
• Bicyclists are required to use hand signals to turn left/right and to stop/decrease speed. A rider can use either hand to signal a right turn.
• Any child under age 14 operating a bicycle must wear a helmet.
• Children under the age of 1 may not be passengers on bikes.
• Child passengers must wear helmets and be carried in a properly affixed child carrier.
Laws for motorists:
• Parking, standing or stopping vehicles within, or otherwise obstructing, bicycle lanes is prohibited (~$115 fine).
• Motor vehicles must not drive across a bicycle lane except for access, safety, and turns.
• Motor vehicle drivers must signal and look before making a turn.
• Motor vehicle drivers and passengers cannot open the door or get out of the vehicle on the side available to moving traffic unless and until it is reasonably safe to do so.
• Motor vehicle drivers should not exceed 30 mph unless a posted sign indicates otherwise.
For more information consult NYC.gov or find a health professional to talk to log-on to search Sports Medicine Doctors, Orthopedist, Preventative Health, Family Practitioners, Nurse Practitioners, Internists Pediatrician and Physiotherapist.
Bike helmet fitting tips
NYC Bicycle Education Programs
Upcoming NYC Bicycle Events:
Bike Helmet Giveaway and Fitting – Go Green Week at Pratt
3/30/2010, 11 am – 3 pm Pratt Institute, Brooklyn
More info
*The Department of Transportation will give away free bike helmets while supplies last. Helmets are available for all ages. You must be present to get a helmet and you must learn how to properly fit and wear it before you receive it. Adults over 18 receiving a helmet must sign a waiver, and a parent or legal guardian must be present to sign a waiver for children under age 18.
Bike Commuting 101
3/31/2010- 5/27/2010 6:30-7:30 pm
EMS Soho,
530 Broadway
Manhattan 10012
More info
Saavy Cyclist – Traffic skills 101
4/10/2010-9/11/2010, 9:00 am- 5:00 pm
Hostelling International-New York
891 Amsterdam Avenue
Manhattan 10025
More info
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