How to Keep Cyclists and Pedestrians Safer at Unsignalized Intersection

December 02, 2021, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

TechXplore an online magazine published an interesting article on a new way of improving the safety of bikes crossing signalled intersections in Portland Oregon. The article by Portland State University highlights the research they have done to make these crossings safer. It is in response to the increasing trend in bicycle crashes in the U.S. since 2009.

The press release is based on a master’s thesis “Improving Bicycle Crossings at Unsignalized Intersections through Pavement Markings: Analysis of the City of Portland Innovative Strategy.”, Frank Boateng Appiah, Portland State University.

America has seen a steady increase in the number of cyclists being killed in collisions with vehicles on roadways. In response to the trend the City of Portland experimented with green ‘cross-bike’ markings. These cross-bikes are adjacent to pedestrian crosswalks but are painted green and have a zebra-striped. These markings exist simply to ‘remind’ drivers of the presence of cyclists on the roadway and to watch for them at these intersections.

Mr. Appiah was curious whether the data showed motorists yielding at these intersections.

In the research, Mr. Appiah reviewed video data and noted that:

Video data revealed changes in the rate of motorists yielding to bicyclists. Notably, the analysis found that the installation of the cross-bike improved driver yielding behaviour for cyclists. This change in driver yielding was statistically significant. Driver yielding rates at NE Going & NE 15th Ave were found to be 48% near side and 61% far side before the crossing was marked. These yielding rates improved to 91% near side and 95% far side after the installation of the treatment. This statistically significant difference in yielding behavior of motorists is expected to translate into improved bicycle safety.

In addition to increasing motorists' yielding rates, the cross-bike markings also reduced average wait times for persons on bicycles, and provided positive guidance for bicyclists to select a more visible crossing location. It can be expected that the number of people using the bicycle network will increase if the safety and efficiency of the crossings are improved. Excessive delays at busy crossings put off many interested but concerned cyclists.

In many Canadian cities, similar devices have been used to remind motorized vehicle drivers of the presence of cyclists on the roadways. In Kitchener downtown, there are chevrons painted in Green to remind drivers that cyclists have the right to the lane. Other major cities have ‘Bike Boxes’ painted green boxes at the front of the lane at intersections which allow cyclists to be more visible and to hopefully stop them from being struck by drivers turning right. Crossrides are also becoming more prominent here. You can read more about the cycling safety measures here in an article by the CAA. Credit to the CAA for the image.

If you are struck by a vehicle while cycling and injured you should call a personal injury lawyer experienced in cycling accidents as soon as possible. You may be eligible for accident benefits and if you are seriously injured you will need the help of a lawyer who can help you navigate the system. Our lawyers at Deutschmann Personal Injury Law can help secure your future.

About Deutschmann Law

Deutschmann Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.deutschmannlaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.

It is important that you review your accident benefit file with one of our experienced personal injury / car accident lawyers to ensure that you obtain access to all your benefits which include, but are limited to, things like physiotherapy, income replacement benefits, vocational retraining and home modifications.