As reported by MyBellinghamNow.com, the Bellingham city council recently voted to approve building bike lanes down E Holly Street, which runs through the center of downtown. In addition, some intersections will be given extended walking signals for pedestrians to allow for greater visibility. This is a pilot project that will begin construction in early May.
The move is a fulfillment of the city’s Climate Action Plan, which partially aims to encourage people to get out of single-occupancy vehicles and do more biking and walking. It is also part of Kim Lund’s plans to “reactivate downtown” by helping people come into downtown Bellingham.
Public Works Director Eric Johnston also shared some additional benefits to the bike lane, including slowing cars down and enhancing the pedestrian environment in order to bring more foot traffic into downtown.
Bike vs Car Accident Statistics
Cyclists are particularly vulnerable on the road due to several factors, including their lack of physical protection and slower speed compared to motorists.
According to data shared by IIHS.org, each year about two percent of motor vehicle crash deaths are bicyclists. While child bicyclist deaths have declined over the years, deaths among bicyclists age 20 and older have quadrupled since 1975.
Most fatalities amongst cyclists involve serious injuries to the head, highlighting the importance of wearing a bicycle helmet.
Do Bike Lanes Decrease Bike Vs Car Accidents?
Bike lanes can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of bike accidents involving cars. Here are some ways bike lanes can improve safety for both drivers and cyclists:
- Separation
Bike lanes physically separate bicycles from motor vehicles, reducing the chances of collisions between the two. This separation provides a designated space for cyclists, making it clearer for both cyclists and drivers where each should be on the road.
2. Increased visibility
Bike lanes often include markings and signage that make cyclists more visible to drivers, reducing the likelihood of drivers accidentally hitting cyclists. This increased visibility can also help cyclists anticipate potential conflicts with vehicles.
3. Predictability
With dedicated bike lanes, cyclists and drivers have a clearer understanding of where each should be on the road, reducing confusion and the likelihood of accidents caused by unexpected movements.
4. Reduced conflict points
Bike lanes can eliminate or reduce conflict points between cyclists and drivers, such as intersections and merging areas. This can significantly decrease the chances of accidents occurring at these points.
5. Drivers become more accustomed to sharing the road
Providing safe and separate infrastructure for cyclists encourages more people to choose biking as a mode of transportation. As the number of cyclists increases, drivers become more accustomed to sharing the road with them, leading to improved safety for everyone.
6. Speed management
Some bike lanes are designed with features like physical barriers or narrower lanes, which can help to reduce vehicle speeds. Lower vehicle speeds decrease the severity of accidents and give drivers more time to react to cyclists.
While bike lanes generally improve safety for cyclists, their effectiveness can vary depending on factors such as design, maintenance, and enforcement. Additionally, the presence of bike lanes doesn’t eliminate all risks, and cyclists and drivers still need to exercise caution and follow traffic laws to prevent accidents.
Bicycle accidents involving a car
If you or a loved one was injured by a car while cycling, it is vital to report the accident to the police, and to seek prompt medical treatment. Document and preserve the evidence from the scene of the accident if you are able and keep receipts and transcripts from all resulting medical care. You should also notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible but do not provide any information to the at-fault insurance adjuster or accept a settlement without first speaking with a bike accident attorney.
It is not uncommon to receive a bike accident settlement that is five to ten times larger with the help of a personal injury lawyer. Call the caring, tireless, and experienced injury attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County and surrounding areas since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
