1 safety should be the #1 priority improving bicycling safety in new york city lin, ming lagcc...
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Safety should be the #1 prioritySafety should be the #1 priorityImproving Bicycling Safety
in New York City
LIN, Ming
LaGCC
07312004
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Why are Walking and Why are Walking and Bicycling less important Bicycling less important
then Driving?then Driving?
Ming 3
AutomobilesAutomobiles
Answer: Because bicyclists are an easily forgotten minority in an age when most people equate transportation with automobiles.
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The New York City traffic laws : The New York City traffic laws :
“Driving bikes on sidewalks is prohibited unless sign allows or wheels are less than 26 inches in diameter and rider under 14 years of age.”
See Administrative Code 19-176 (passed in 2002).
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Why don’t more people partake Why don’t more people partake of the benefits of biking?of the benefits of biking?
People feel UnsafePeople fear Road RagePeople fear getting Tickets
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800 US 800 US CyclistsCyclists Die Every Year Die Every YearIn the US, there are 85 million bicycle riders.
800 bicyclists die every year, and about 540,000 bicyclists visit emergency rooms with injuries every year. Motor vehicles are involved in 90-92 per cent of bicyclist deaths and 12 per cent of injuries on the roads. Sixty percent of bicycle deaths in 2000 occurred on major roads, and 32 percent occurred on local roads.
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The Human Bowling AlleyThe Human Bowling Alley
For example, Queens Boulevard is a neighborhood street, not a highway, but more than 300 pedestrians have been killed and 5000 seriously injured in the past 30 years on the highway-like street called “the human bowling alley”.
(T.A. Magazine, “Queens Boulevard is a neighborhood street, not a highway”)
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Crash Types and Causes by CarsCrash Types and Causes by Cars
Human Error by Motorist: 20%Bicyclists / Pedestrian Error: 30%Alcohol: Factor in 1/3 of FatalitiesSpeed: Significant FactorRoadway Design: Data is LimitedYouth and Seniors are at Risk
Source: Brustman / NYBC 1999
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General ProblemsGeneral Problems
Neglect by Planners, Engineers and Educators
Road RageMass Car OwnershipCongestionHeels and Wheels Conflict
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Proposal for reforming the Proposal for reforming the 2002 bicycle laws:2002 bicycle laws:
Operating a bicycle on the sidewalk is permitted:
• When the sidewalk is not used by people;
• When the sidewalk is crossed by a private road or driveway;
• When traveling on a one-way road;
• When overtaking and passing vehicles in the road;
• When necessity or emergency mandates the use of sidewalks.
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How to Help:How to Help:
Please contact your city representative and city council-person asking for their support for the reforms.
You can offer this slide show to them to demonstrate proper bicycle operation and how reforming the law will improve safety.
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Contact Information: Contact Information:
Mr. John Liu Chairperson of the Council's Transportation Committee
District Office Address: 135-27 38th Avenue, (Suite 388), Flushing, New York, 11354 District Office Phone No.: (718) 888-8747 Fax Phone No.: (718) 888-0331
Email: [email protected]