Study Details
Study Title: Evaluating the Safety Effects of Bicycle Lanes in New York City
Authors: Chen et al.
Publication Date:JUN, 2012
Abstract: Objectives: We evaluated the effects of on-street bicycle lanes installed prior to 2007 on different categories of crashes (total crashes, bicyclist crashes, pedestrian crashes, multiple-vehicle crashes, and injurious or fatal crashes) occurring on roadway segments and at intersections in New York City. Methods: We used generalized estimating equation methodology to compare changes in police-reported crashes in a treatment group and a comparison group before and after installation of bicycle lanes. Our study approach allowed us to control confounding factors, such as built environment characteristics, that cannot typically be controlled when a comparison group is used. Results: Installation of bicycle lanes did not lead to an increase in crashes, despite the probable increase in the number of bicyclists. The most likely explanations for the lack of increase in crashes are reduced vehicular speeds and fewer conflicts between vehicles and bicyclists after installation of these lanes. Conclusions: Our results indicate that characteristics of the built environment have a direct impact on crashes and that they should thus be controlled in studies evaluating traffic countermeasures such as bicycle lanes. To prevent crashes at intersections, we recommend installation of "bike boxes" and markings that indicate the path of bicycle lanes across intersections.
Study Citation: Chen, L., Chen, C., Srinivasan, R., McKnight, C. E., Ewing, R., and Roe, M., "Evaluating the Safety Effects of Bicycle Lanes in New York City," American Journal of Public Health, Vol. 102, No. 6, (2012).
CMFs Associated With This Study
Category: Bicyclists
Countermeasure: Install bicycle lanes
| CMF | CRF(%) | Quality | Crash Type | Crash Severity | Roadway Type | Area Type |
|---|
| 0.944 | 5.6 |  | All | All | Not specified | Urban |
| 0.44 | 56 |  | Multiple vehicle | All | Not specified | Urban |
| 0.855 | 14.5 | | Vehicle/pedestrian | All | Not specified | Urban |
| 1.007 | -0.7 | | Multiple vehicle | All | Not specified | Urban |
| 1.065 | -6.5 | | Vehicle/pedestrian | All | Not specified | Urban |
| 1.07 | -7 | | All | K,A,B,C | Not specified | Urban |
