Chapter 1: The Alarming Rise in Bicycle Fatalities

Cycling is often seen as a healthy and environmentally friendly mode of transportation. However, the safety of cyclists has become a growing concern. Recent studies indicate that cyclist fatalities in the U.S. have surged by 25% from 2010 to 2017, the most recent period analyzed. For instance, in New York City alone, there have been 14 cycling deaths by early July 2019, compared to an average of about 17 annually in previous years. This increase has raised alarms, particularly following a concerning “spate of three deaths in just over a week,” which the New York Times referred to as a “cycling-death emergency.” While fatalities once predominantly involved younger riders, the average age of victims has now risen to 45.

The increase in cyclist deaths can be attributed to a combination of factors, including inadequate road conditions, driver distraction, and limited visibility for cyclists. Furthermore, the growing popularity of cycling has contributed to these tragic statistics. Notably, an emerging factor influencing this trend is the negative perceptions some individuals hold toward cyclists.

Despite improvements in road safety for motor vehicles—thanks to better street designs and regulations—the same cannot be said for cyclists. Reports indicate that a significant number of fatalities occur on streets devoid of bike lanes; in fact, 89% of cyclist deaths happen in such areas.

Section 1.1: The Impact of Driver Inattention

Inattention from drivers remains a major concern among road safety experts. A common theme identified in many cyclist accidents is that motorists often overlook cyclists, expecting them to yield. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, many cyclists assume that drivers will give them the right of way, leading to tragic outcomes when they cannot stop in time. A small study in Canada highlighted this issue, revealing that 11 out of 19 drivers failed to check crucial areas for cyclists before turning. Using eye-tracking technology at a busy intersection in Toronto, researchers found that drivers often limited their focus to narrow areas before making turns.

Chapter 2: Societal Attitudes Toward Cyclists

Recent research reveals that many drivers harbor negative attitudes toward cyclists. A study conducted in March 2019 by the Institute of Transport Studies at Monash University asked participants to rate their agreement with various statements about cyclists. Alarmingly, around 55% of non-cyclists rated cyclists as "less than human."

In this video, "Pedestrian and Bike Commuter Deaths Continue To Rise In The U.S.," experts discuss the rising fatalities and the factors contributing to this troubling trend.

Delbosc, the study's lead researcher, emphasized the troubling implications of these views: “Even joking beliefs about cyclists are linked to more negative attitudes and a higher likelihood of harassing them.” The study revealed that 17% of respondents admitted to using their vehicles to block cyclists intentionally, while 11% had driven dangerously close to them.

The second video, "Uptick in Accidents Prompts Conversation on Cycling Infrastructure in Illinois," explores how rising cyclist deaths have sparked discussions on improving cycling infrastructure.

Understanding the factors that contribute to cycling fatalities is crucial in developing strategies to prevent them in the future. As we work toward safer roads for all users, addressing societal attitudes and infrastructure issues is imperative.