How To Ensure Safety For Cyclists And Promote Bicycles As A Way Of Transport

As cities continue to grow and traffic congestion worsens, promoting cycling as a sustainable and healthy mode of transport becomes increasingly important.

Eco-friendly methods of transport are becoming more popular by the day and in some countries bicycles are already the main choice for transportation.

However, one of the major challenges in encouraging more people to cycle is ensuring the safety of cyclists on the road. In the US, urban centers, authorities and communities must work together to create safer conditions for cyclists while promoting the benefits of bicycle transportation. 

It takes time to increase awareness about this issue but it’s important to make sure the roads are safe for cyclists as that’s the first step towards promoting cycling as an environmentally-friendly way of transport. 

Let’s take a look at how local authorities across the US can start planning better roads and dedicated lanes for cyclists for a greener future. 

Why is cyclist safety important?

The news often report car accidents that happen almost on a daily basis, leading us to believe that other types of accidents rarely take place. Unfortunately, that’s far from the truth.

Did you know that the year 2022 was reported to be the deadliest year for cyclists? Approximately 1,105 cyclists were killed in traffic accidents across the US, which is a huge increase in comparison to previous years. 

Certain states experience more bicycle accidents than others. For instance, in Arizona more than 1,000 bicycle accidents happen on an annual basis and most of these take place in urban areas such as Phoenix. 

That means that certain local governments will need to put in the extra effort to improve their road infrastructure and make the environment safer for cyclists. 

Ensuring cyclist safety

There are a number of improvements that local governments can invest in and encourage. It’s also important to spread awareness about the issue and make others, namely drivers, realize the importance of cyclist safety.

Improve bicycle infrastructure

One of the most effective ways to ensure the safety of cyclists is by creating a dedicated cycling infrastructure. That’s also the first step authorities and those in charge should take.

A lack of safe lanes or routes often discourages people from cycling, especially in heavily trafficked areas.

There has already been a notable improvement in the last couple of years with more than $800 million in state and local funding that supports better infrastructure for bicycling. 

However, work still needs to be done. And that’s why dedicated bike lanes should be top priority. Dedicated bike lanes separate cyclists from cars, reducing the risk of accidents. Cities should invest in creating more protected bike lanes—those that are physically separated from motor traffic by barriers like curbs.

Additionally, cities should develop routes that connect key areas such as residential neighborhoods, business districts, and schools.

Promote legal support in event of an accident

Apart from investing in infrastructure, it’s also important to set up a resource hub that cyclists could turn to in case of accidents. Let’s face it—even with the best infrastructure in place, accidents will still happen.

It’s then necessary to help cyclists deal with the aftermath of an accident and help them connect with a bicycle accident attorney who can take care of all the legal complexities. Many cyclists would take up the insurance negotiations on their own and that can definitely lead to a long settlement process.

Cyclists need to be aware of their rights and have all the information at their fingertips. It’s up to local governments to set up these knowledge hubs that cyclists could turn to when in doubt.

Driver education programs

Many drivers are not fully aware of how to share the road with cyclists. Driver education programs that highlight the importance of being mindful of cyclists, especially in urban settings, can go a long way in preventing accidents. 

These programs should emphasize the importance of checking blind spots, yielding the right of way, and maintaining a safe distance from cyclists. Checking the blind spot is important and many drivers fail to do so when changing lanes, which poses a risk to cyclists on the road. 

Promoting cycling as an alternative way of transport

Cycling not only has a number of benefits for the individual but it also affects the environment positively. Cities should highlight the advantages of cycling and help raise awareness with different public campaigns.

Health benefits of cycling

Cycling is a great way to stay fit. It provides cardiovascular exercise, strengthens muscles, and improves mental well-being. Cities should bring attention to these health benefits through public health campaigns, encouraging residents to incorporate cycling into their daily routines.

Public bike-share systems

Bike-share systems allow people to rent bicycles for short trips, promoting cycling as a more practical alternative to driving or taking public transport. 

Cities with extensive bike-share networks have witnessed significant increases in the number of cyclists. These programs are especially beneficial for tourists, daily commuters, and those who don’t own a bike but want to enjoy the benefits of cycling.

Bicycle parking

Finally, it’s also important to provide proper bike parking facilities, especially in high-traffic areas that would help cyclists easily ride their bike to work, knowing they’ll be able to park it.

Secure parking reduces the risk of theft and gives cyclists peace of mind. 

The key takeaways

Ensuring safety for cyclists and promoting bicycles as a way of transport requires a thought-out approach. By improving infrastructure, setting up a legal resource hub and educating the public, cities across the US can create a safer and more attractive environment for cyclists. 

Additionally, highlighting the health benefits of cycling and setting up bike-share programs can also help promote cycling as an alternative method of transport. That way cities can also work together towards a better and less polluted future.

These strategies not only protect cyclists but also encourage more people to choose cycling as a regular mode of transportation, contributing to healthier, greener, and more sustainable communities.