Using your bike in city centres continues to increase in popularity, not just in the UK, but arguably even more so in big US cities such as New York, Boston and Chicago. With many more people using their bikes to get around towns and cities, there is a growing potential for accidents involving cyclists, some of whom might not be familiar with cycling in traffic and motorists, who themselves might not be comfortable dealing with cyclists on the road as well as other motor vehicles. Now a new website from the USA aims to provide cyclists with instant overviews of accident hotspots in their cities.
CrashStat, a website created by cycling advocacy group Transport Alternatives, aims to provide cyclists with accurate information about the most dangerous road junctions and sections of road in US cities. The website has initially been launched with statistics relating to cycling accidents just within the 5 boroughs of New York City. This data is collected from accident reports and statistics compiled by state agencies in New York state, which is then overlaid onto a map of the city’s road network, giving a street-by-street view of cycling accidents. This data can even be broken down further, such as only viewing cycling accidents involving people of certain ages.
Speaking about his organisation’s new site, Transport Alternatives’ executive director Paul steely White said, “For too long, dangerous and lethal drivers have gotten off with minimal or, astonishingly, no charges at all, by revealing where and why motor vehicle crashes occur, CrashStat gives all New Yorkers the information they need to demand better enforcement of our traffic laws. This is critical to changing behaviour on our streets.”
Safer urban cycling
The CrashStat website is a fascinating resource for New York cyclists, providing them with an overview of dangerous roads and allowing them to plan journeys to avoid these areas. At My Cycling Claim, we are interested to see if a UK version will be launched allowing cyclists over here the same access to cycling accident statistics to help them to stay safe when cycling in urban areas. After all, anything which can make life easier and potentially a lot safer for the UK’s cyclists has got to be a good idea.
Visit the CrashStat website to have a look for yourself.