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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?

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AutomobilesAutomobiles

Answer: Because bicyclists are an easily forgotten minority in an age when most people equate transportation with automobiles.

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Perception vs. RealityPerception vs. Reality

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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 is Bicycling in NY City Why is Bicycling in NY City Important?Important?

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Health & FitnessHealth & Fitness

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Quality of LifeQuality of Life

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Environment & EnergyEnvironment & Energy

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EconomyEconomy

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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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The road is very dangerous The road is very dangerous

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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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Road RageRoad Rage

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No deaths in No deaths in Bicycle / Bicycle /

Pedestrian Pedestrian crashscrashs

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Few Use Sidewalks Few Use Sidewalks on cold winter nights on cold winter nights

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Heels and WheelsHeels and WheelsHarmonyHarmony

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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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Voice is PowerVoice is Power

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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: liu@council.nyc.ny.us