Urban cycling: A study of bicycle lane safety in Brooklyn, New York

Background/Purpose: Between 2006-2009, 200 bicycle lane miles were constructed in NYC, doubling the city's network. Since little is known regarding bicycle lane safety in the city's outer boroughs, a study was conducted in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn to describe motor vehicle (MV) and cyclist behaviors on streets with bicycle lanes.

Methods: Four blocks with varying road and bicycle lane designs were selected for observation between July-August 2009. Video cameras recorded traffic flow during commuting and weekend hours. Footage was reviewed for MV obstructions in bicycle lanes or buffer zones and cycling behaviors. An intercept survey documented cyclists' experiences and attitudes.

Results/Outcomes: 18,954 MVs were observed traveling adjacent to bicycle lanes. On streets with buffered bicycle lanes, 6.2% of MVs entered buffer zones and 2.7% entered bicycle lanes (n=11,225). On streets with unbuffered bicycle lanes, 11.3% of MVs entered the lanes (n=7,729). Most cyclists rode in bicycle lanes or buffer zones (79.2% and 9.4%, respectively, n=1,221); 70.8% did not wear helmets and 17.9% rode against traffic. Among 324 cyclists surveyed, 27.2% reported crash involvement with a MV in <3 years; 59.9% preferred riding on streets with buffered bicycle lanes. Reasons for not wearing helmets included discomfort (29.9%), financial constraints (7.5%) and no law requirement (6.1%).

Conclusions: This study captured MV and cyclist tendencies that affect Brooklyn's bicycle lane safety. Future analyses will distinguish unsafe driving and lawful behaviors. Study expansion on NYC's streets with high numbers of bicycle-related injuries is warranted, but requires collaboration among traffic safety and active transportation stakeholders.