Month: May 2015

-> A new study (Driver Approach Speed and Its Impact on Driver Yielding to Pedestrian Behavior at Unsignalized Crosswalks: https://bit.ly/1bsCvtO) published by TRB, reveals that drivers are nearly four times more likely to yield for pedestrians at travel speeds around 20 miles per hour than at 40 mph. These findings bolster the case for more stringent speed enforcement. However, Tom Bertulis, the studys lead author, says this work can also improve the way designers deal with unsafe crossings. [https://bit.ly/1GgL2Ko]
from CenterLines, the e-newsletter of the National Center for Bicycling & Walking.

-> A pair of researchers at the University of Minnesota recently set out to test the theory that a connected bike network where bike lanes provide continuous routes between many possible destinations is a major determinant of how many people bike. What they actually found was a little unexpected. Connected bike infrastructure matters, according to the study, but not as much as the density of bike infrastructure. (The Missing Link: Bicycle Infrastructure Networks and Ridership in 74 US Cities: https://nexus.umn.edu/papers/MissingLink.pdf) These findings suggest that cities hoping to maximize the impacts of their bicycle infrastructure investments should first consider densifying their bicycle network before expanding its breadth, the authors concluded. [https://bit.ly/1E7302A]
from CenterLines, the e-newsletter of the National Center for Bicycling & Walking.

-> Vision Zero the idea that we should no longer accept traffic deaths and serious injuries is gaining momentum as a framework for thinking about city streets and transportation, as more American cities adopt the goal of ending traffic fatalities. But what actually constitutes a Vision Zero policy? What are the best strategies to dramatically reduce traffic violence? Which cities are doing it right, and which are talking the talk without walking the walk? A new organization, the Vision Zero Network (https://bit.ly/1E9UU9s), seeks to help American cities adopt the most effective street safety policies. The organization launched last week under the leadership of Leah Shahum, former executive director of the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition, with support from Kaiser Permanente. [https://bit.ly/1JqF2z0]
(See also a We the People Save 33,000 lives annually with Vision Zero policies petition to the Obama Administration. It needs 100,000 signatures by May 16, 2015 to require the Administration to review and respond to the petition: https://1.usa.gov/1Gg2UYB)
from CenterLines, the e-newsletter of the National Center for Bicycling & Walking.