TheWashCycle

Will Bicycling to Work Get You Killed?

That's a question the Freakonomics blog asked recently. My short answer: probably not. They disagree. They quote a study that states that:

Per kilometer, cyclists are 12 times more likely than car drivers to suffer a fatal accident

But that doesn't answer the question they asked. If you remove children from consideration that ratio goes way down (the study considered all cyclists). In addition I suspect it will go down if you remove inexperienced or recreational cyclists. If you were to compare bike commuters to automobile commuters I think you might find a fatalities-per-kilometer ratio for cyclist that is as good as, or even better than, the one for drivers.

Some numbers. In 2005, cyclists made up 6.3% of all traffic fatalities in the District. In 2004 it was 7%. In 2003 it was 0%. In 2002 it was 2.1%. In 2001 it was 2.9%. I believe in 2006 it was also 0%. That makes a 6-year average of 3.05%. Without knowing who constituted that group of cyclists you can't eliminate any for being too young or inexperienced so let's stick with the number. According to the 2000 census 1.21% of cyclists biked to work. Of course that number is out of date and poorly gathered (those are people for who biking is the primary means of getting to work). So, while it seems cyclists are over-represented in the numbers by a little under 3 times, it's certainly nothing like 12. And I think with better data, you see results that are even less scary. Of course, I'm not considering it per kilometer either.

One thing they do point out is that the added risk of injury (if there is one) is somewhat counterbalanced by the added health benefits of biking.

On the other hand, a Danish study found that people who do not bike to work suffer a 39 percent higher mortality rate than those who do.

Partly because biking is good for you, partly because driving is bad for you.

The post has some good links One of the links was to a Times article that mentioned

A journalist who regularly bicycled to work in Washington was killed when he rode headlong into the door of a truck as the driver opened it.

It also has a nice graphic, but it also has some things you might disagree with or find overstated.

Further injuries and deaths result from cyclists who ride illegally on the sidewalk and mow down pedestrians.

But it includes this nice stat (though as a way, oddly, of showing that cyclists are sometimes to blame)

One study attributed 60 percent of bicycle-motor vehicle accidents to the drivers and 17 percent to cyclists. But another study of crashes involving children on bikes found that 80 percent of those accidents were the fault of the bicyclists.

Which backs up what I was saying about kids above. Another great article is this one from 2006

“With the subway,” Mr. Ford said, “you’re literally in a tunnel. When I bike, I see faces. I see storefronts. I’ll stop to visit someone. I’m engaged in the city.”

Biking is good for kids

That's the premise of an article about Trips for Kids a non-profit that gets kids out on bikes.

Underwritten by financial support (not to mention bikes) from companies such as REI, Trek and Clif Bar, the effort addresses what I think is one of the more under-publicized aspects of the nation's rising rates of childhood obesity. While the problem is increasing across the entire population -- with roughly 15 percent of 6- to 19-year-olds now considered overweight or obese, twice the proportion two decades ago -- the numbers are higher and rising faster for children of lower-income families.

Still,

"Bicycles are associated with more childhood injuries than any other consumer product except the automobile," Dr. Gary Smith, director of the Center for Injury Research and Policy at Ohio State University , said in a statement.

More than 10,000 children and teens go to the hospital every year in the United States after falling off or crashing their bicycles, racking up $200 million in hospital fees, researchers reported on Tuesday.

They estimated that 10,700 children are hospitalized annually for a bicycle-related injury, with an average stay of three days. And too few appear to have been wearing helmets.

So, kids should be on bikes for a whole host of reasons, but when they do they should use appropriate safety tools (and receive some instruction). I would have loved it if the study had measured the health benefits of kids cycling and weighed that against the $200 million costs.

The numbers of kids who regularly bike has been going down for some time now, even while the number of adults goes up. But it appears the Safe Routes to Schools program is starting to reverse that.

"When we started the pilot project two years ago, there were three bikes, now there are 60 to 70" attached to the school's bike rack, said Fred Boykin Jr., a local bicycle shop owner who is the chairman of metro Atlanta's Safe Routes coalition.

Today, only about 15 percent of schoolchildren travel to school under their own power. The program seeks to change that by offering federal Department of Transportation funds to help build sidewalks, post traffic signs and find ways to make it easier for students to bike or walk to school, said Robert Ping, of Portland, Ore., who assists states with the Safe Routes program.

The program's first conference will be held in Michigan next month.

Unfortunately the program is underfunded.

the program doesn't provide much money to states, especially smaller states.

About 20 states have Safe Routes programs rolling and some of the most successful programs are in largely populated areas such as California and Florida. Advocates say the program may be easier to carry out in urban areas with plenty of sidewalks as opposed to rural locations where children live far from school.

"urban areas with plenty of sidewalks", that sounds a lot like D.C.

"There has been a lot of interest in infrastructure but we are trying to get communities to understand this is not just a free sidewalk program. This is about teaching kids about activity and giving them a safe area where they can walk from home to school," said spokeswoman Carrie Hamblin.

This sounds like the kind of effect the 2 Mile Challenge is trying to have.

Lovell said riding to school with her son seemed scary the first time because of the traffic on the roads, but her son has learned to love biking to school. She's only had to drive him one day because of the weather.

Clif Bar 2 Mile Challenge

Clif Bar is sponsoring a nice little promotion called the 2 Mile Challenge. The idea is simple: maybe you can't ride the 14 miles to work each way, but you can certainly ride the 1.5 miles to your friends house, or the half a mile to the grocery store or 8 blocks to the library, etc...They have a nice little film on youtube that promotes the advantages of biking over driving. Trimmed to 30 seconds it could make a nice PSA.

Though I'm pro-bike I try not to be anti-car. The car has it's place in the full transportation spectrum. I just think it's overused (and over-subsidized). I ride my bike almost everywhere - even when it's not faster or cheaper, but  I realize not everyone is going to do this. If one could show people those times when bikes are advantageous from a time or money perspective I think that could significantly reduce car trips (and with it congestion, pollution, obesity, etc...)

I think a lot of people are unaware that the bicycle is the ideal transportation method over short to mid distances. I would never want to force people to ride their bikes, but I think if they give it a shot they'll find it's faster, cheaper (especially if you have to pay for parking) and more fun than driving. That's what the two mile challenge is all about.

I've taken several newbies on the 1 mile ride from my house to the Mall or the baseball stadium. Some have complained before hand but they were always converts by the end, it doesn't hurt that when we come home afterward we're already on beer #2 by the time those who rode the Metro home walk in.

Colbert by Bike

Stephen Colbert announced he's running for president, escorted onto the Daily Show set via a pedicab.

But that doesn't mean he's pro-bike. In his new book I Am America (And So Can You) he lists the recumbent bicycle as one of the greatest threats to our culture (along with socialized medicine and the Dyson vacuum cleaner) ahead of gay marriage.

I have no problem with recumbent bikes, but tandoms are an abomination.

Nevada Street Indian Creek Trail

The Berwyn Heights Town Council voted unanimously in favor of supporting the Nevada Street Indian Creek Trail, also known as Alternative Two, at its meeting Oct. 15. That trail is one of two proposed to be constructed by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. The 8-foot wide asphalt trail would begin at the end of Nevada Street and connect to the Sweetbriar Drive Trail in College Park, which also eventually connects to the Indian Creek Trail.

Technically this is what I would call a micro-trail (or as M-NCPPC calls it a spur) which is not to demean the project. I think a lot connectivity could be achieved with micro-trails - especially in the suburbs where neighborhoods are designed to be connected only with major arterial routes. Berwyn Heights doesn't have the last say.

Eileen Nivera, a planner coordinator for M-NCPPC, said based on the town’s recommendation, Park and Planning will select one of the two trails. About $50,000 was budgeted in fiscal 2006 for the project, she said.

View Larger Map

Both of the proposed trail routes exceed budget. Route One will cost about $115,000 and Route Two will cost about $85,500, Nivera said. She added she hoped more money would be allocated in fiscal 2009.

Those both seem like a lot of money for trails that are 600-900 feet long.

Greenbelt man advocates for more cycling features

That's the title of an article in the Gazette.  Though they don't give good examples:

For the last three years, [Fred] Gasper has actively campaigned for more crosswalks and street signs to be installed at various intersections in the area, particularly in front of Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt and in front of DuVal High School in Lanham.

Which aren't purely cycling related. But there is no doubting his dedication and it provides an interesting look into the kind of work even little changes require.

He has written letters to his council members, delegates and state senators lobbying for the features at the intersection. He has also made several PowerPoint presentations to area civic associations including the Glenn Dale Civic Association.

His top project:

What Gasper said he would most like to see is a contiguous trail connecting Good Luck and Greenbelt roads to accommodate cyclists.

Hmm, you can already do that by riding the road through Greenbelt National Park, a short but nice ride BTW, so I wonder if he means somewhere else or a more direct route.

Addendum: It appears that some improvements at Greenbelt Road and Hanover Parkway are underway.  Not sure if that means improving bicycle access.

Post profiles the Kent Island Trail

Here

Just across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge on seven-mile-long Kent Island, the paved pathway offers bikers, in-line skaters and pedestrians six miles of smooth moves through natural lands that are free of cars and full of creature comforts.

As a safety precaution, bike patrols keep an eye on the trail year-round, while a 15 mph speed limit slows any Lance Armstrong hopefuls.

It would be great if the Bay Bridge had a bike lane. I'm not saying that it makes economic sense (nor am I saying the opposite), just that it would be a fun ride. I wish they would let you ride your bike across during the bridge walk. You could be across and back before the walkers made it across.

October 2007 Arlington BAC meeting notes

Highlights from the minutes:

1. Charlie Denney (Arlington's  bicycle and pedestrian coordinator) announced that he is leaving the County staff around the end of this year. He will be consulting, perhaps even for the County at times.

2. The Four Mike Run Trail/I-395 Underpass did come in overbudget, but the county moved funds from other projects to cover the entire contract cost of about $4 million. Construction will take 15 to 18 months, so the trail should open in the spring of 2009.

3, ­The Six Year Plan for Transportation to be funded by the new Northern Virginia Transportation Authority has bicycle money. The County has decided - without asking the BAC - that bicycle projects will get $1 million per year. It will use the BAC's top 10 list as a proxy.

4. The new revision of the Master Transportation Plan is available here. See below.

5. The replacement for the bike pit at Ballston Metro will probably be a two-level parking area with space for 150 bikes. The architect is concerned about the impact of the structure and wants to lower it. Members were concerned that vagrants would use it for shelter, and that changes to lower the structure could produce something too spooky to be used by women at night. There was also concern about riders’ physical ability to place a bike on the second level. Construction will be early summer 2008.

6. There are four TE projects in the works:

1) Shelters. Metro bike parking projects at Crystal City, Pentagon City, Clarendon metro stations.
2) Safety Education Program. Teacher training and providing equipment for schools to teach on-road cycling competency classes. The County has located a volunteer organization to replace the contractor previously envisaged. There will also be a bike lane safety brochure for both cyclists and motorists.
3) Meade Street Bridge enhancements in Rosslyn
4) Arlington Blvd trail improvements

7. As part of the I-66 widening the BAC will seek Custis trail improvements.

8. The county is instituting improved standards for required bike parking facilities for site-planned buildings.

9. Many area trails need pavement work and brush clearing.

10. The Crystal City plan is close to completion. There will be some new lanes, and Charlie is talking to the Airport Authority about improving connections to the airport and some reasonable bike parking facilities for workers and travelers.

The Rosslyn Transportation Plan was presented on Tuesday, October 9th.

The East Falls Church Task Force (CPHD and Transportation) is working on land use and transportation issues around the EFC Metro station.

11. Arl Blvd ­ Washington Blvd bridge work has been completed. The previously too-narrow sidewalk on the north side was widened to a too-narrow 8 feet with no protection for the ped/rider from traffic.

The North Tract architects are recommending stone dust as a surface for the trails. The BAC feels stone dust has many drawbacks.

The Humpback Bridge improvements at Columbia Island (upstream from the 14th St Bridge) have been fully funded and the Park Service will move ahead on construction.

Excerpt from the
Master Transportation Plan draft of September, 2007

Bicycle Policies:

1. Complete the Bikeway Network with a focus on overcoming barriers, such as Shirley Highway (I-395) and the George Washington Memorial Parkway, and improving connectivity between trails and other major bikeway corridors. Enhance bikeway information and way-finding signage.

2. Provide high-quality bicycling facilities as a part of all street improvement projects. Use marked bicycle lanes or shared-use lane symbols (“sharrows”) on arterial streets that provide access to commercial centers, schools and government facilities.

3. Provide convenient and secure bicycle parking at transit stations, schools, County facilities and in commercial centers. Promote such parking at existing private facilities.

4. Manage the trails for safety with increased use. Undertake selected widening and improvement projects to address overcrowding on the Four Mile Run, W&OD and Custis trails and develop instructional materials and signs to encourage safe user practices.

5. Require the provision of appropriate facilities to support bicycling, such as showers, lockers and bicycle parking by new development.

6. Create a community culture that embraces bicycle use as a mainstream travel mode. Raise the visibility and participation of bicycling in Arlington through regularly organized bicycling events, prominent facilities and other encouragement activities. Annually collect bicycling data on County streets and trails.

7. Conduct an ongoing safe bicycle route to schools program including semi annual bicycle safety educational programs for children and adults.

Anacostia Trails Fall Foliage Bike Ride 2007

Anacostia Trails Heritage Area, Inc., in conjunction with the Prince George's County Executive's Office, the Oxon Hill Bicycle and Trail Club and others, will host the Anacostia Trails Fall Foliage Bike Ride & Tour on Saturday, October 27, 2007, from 8:30 AM to 2:00 PM. The event will begin and end at the historic Bladensburg Waterfront Park.

The ride offers a 10, 14 or 32 mile courses to accommodate all skill levels.  The tour route takes participants through 300 years of Prince George's County history with planned stops at Riverdale Mansion, Lake Artemisia, College Park Aviation Museum, Greenbelt Historic District, Beltsville Agricultural Center and Montpelier Mansion.

Besides being fun and educational, the ride offers an opportunity to meet and question some officials who deal with local cycling issues.

Join Prince George's County Executive Jack Johnson, Maryland's Transportation Secretary John Porcari and other state and local officials for a day of cycling, sight seeing and after-ride barbecue in beautiful Prince George's County.

The event also features bicycle safety clinics and a chance to win a bike.

Registration fee for the day is $10 for adults and free for children 12 and under. Registration fee includes t-shirt and after-ride barbecue.  Registration begins at 8:30am with refreshments at the Bladensburg Waterfront Park. Rides will leave at 9:00am and be led by experienced cyclists.  Bike rentals will be available on a first come first serve basis at the park or by reserving in advance. For additional information and to pre-register for the ride visit www.anacostiatrails.org or call ATHA, Inc at (301) 887-0777.

Secretary Peters Responds

Someone sent me this letter, the official response from U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters to the controversy after her comments on PBS.

Thank you for your e-mail about the importance of bicycling and walking as a form of transportation. I share your interest in a safe, efficient mullimodal (sic) transportation system.

Your e-mail discussed comments I made during a recent interview regarding the importance of effectively prioritizing major transportation spending decisions. These comments were in no way intended as an indictment of bicycle and pedestrian investments broadly. Rather, they were part of a much larger critique of the processes by which investment decisions are increasingly being made at the Federal level. Too often, political influence and power arc (sic) guiding transportation spending priorities, instead of merit, competition, data, and analysis.

The U.S. Department of Transportation believes that bicyclists and pedestrians are legitimate and welcome users of our Nation's transportation system. They are a healthy part of the solution to congestion in our urban areas. We also believe that States, metropolitan planning organizations, and transit agencies are in the best position to understand the unique needs of their own communities, which is why we have continued to strongly support broad eligibility under the Federal-aid program for a diverse mix of transportation investments, including bicycle and pedestrian transportation facilities.

Programs that improve safety for bicyclists and pedestrians arc also eligible for Federal safety dollars. Although the number of bicyclist and pedestrian injuries and fatalities has dropped by 10 percent since 1994, fatalities have increased in the last 2 years, and this is not acceptable.

Thank you again for voicing your opinion. I hope to continue to work with bicycling and pedestrian advocates as we face the challenges of meeting our country's changing transportation needs.

And yes, it is a form letter.  If her complaint was with the fact that decisions were made based for political, rather than technical, reasons - a concern I share about almost every thing the government funds - why not say that instead of listing unworthy items?