723 Preventable Deaths in Alabama

Smart Growth America has released a report showing pedestrian deaths between 2003 and 2012.   According the the report:

  • 723 people were killed while walking in Alabama
  • 7.2% of all 10,061 traffic fatalities were pedestrians
  • 49 Children under 16 and 93 adults over 65
  • 72.9% of these deaths occurred on roadways with speed limits of 40% or higher
  • African Americans are twice as likely as non-hispanic whites to perish as a pedestrian.
  • Mobile, AL has the highest Annual Pedestrian deaths per 100k of any other city in Alabama.  Mobile has over 3 deaths per year per 100,000 people, compared to second place, Columbus/Phenix City, which has just over 2 deaths/100,000

If you look at our roadways, it’s clear why we have so many deaths!  Mobile’s roads were built with little thought for pedestrian/bicycle traffic. Speed limits are unreasonably high, road lanes are unnecessarily wide which encourages speeding, and there are few crosswalks/sidewalks.  The city, county, state, and federal governments are ultimately culpable for these deaths by building unsafe public roadways.  How many more people have to die, before our leaders stop only looking at traffic models and suburban expansionism and start building/repairing streets for ALL uses.

Read more the report here:
http://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/research/dangerous-by-design/dbd2014/state/alabama/

 

 

To Wave or Not to Wave


Scenario 1: When there is little pedestrian, car, or other traffic, and you are familiar with the law, a friendly it’s-okay-to-pass gesture is probably fine.



Courtesy can go a long way with drivers—but sometimes it’s better to leave well enough alone. Here’s how to decide.

By Bob Mionske

You’ve probably encountered this scenario many times while riding: You and a driver approach the same space on the road. Maybe the motorist waves you through an intersection, or perhaps you indicate to the driver to pass you. One of you accepts the gesture, and you go your ­separate ways.

Because cyclists share the road with other users, it’s a good idea to be polite and cooperative. But what if an accident occurs after your interaction? The person who waved could be held liable depending upon the location of the accident.

In Ohio, among other states, waving someone on cannot be interpreted as anything other than a simple ­gesture of politeness. In these jurisdictions, you are not telling the other person that it is safe to go; you are merely offering the other party the right-of-way. It is still that person’s responsibility to decide if it is legal and safe. If he or she proceeds and a ­collision occurs, the only people­ at risk of liability are those involved in the accident.

In states like Pennsylvania and New Jersey, however, you may be at fault if you wave someone through and a collision results. Courts in these jurisdictions would look at all the facts of the case to decide if your wave was a simple courtesy to yield the right-of-way or if it communicated that it was safe to proceed.

If you’re unsure of the rules where you’re riding, refrain from directing traffic. If your gesture could be interpreted as “it’s safe to proceed,” you assume responsibility for the other person’s safety—and no matter how noble your intentions, you don’t want to take that on.

Scenario 2: Encouraging a car to overtake you isn’t worth the safety (and liability) risk, especially if the road is congested and you are unfamiliar with the law.


Become familiar with the laws in your state before you take to the road, then use common sense to decide whether it’s safe to be courteous. When facing a driver at a four-way stop, for example, as long as there is no other traffic (Scenario 1, at top), you probably don’t need to worry about waving the driver through. On a busy road ­(Scenario 2, above) you’re better off not encouraging someone to proceed, as he or she may ­violate another person’s right-of-way, or hit a pedestrian or cyclist—then blame you.

Research and assistance by Rick Bernardi, JD. Illustration: Erin Benner

Stay Safe Out There


(Photo: transitmiami.com)


Your chances of being struck by a vehicle are lower than you think. Here’s how to reduce your risk even further.

By Bob Mionske

People are often reluctant to ride because they worry about getting hit by a car. But the risk is much lower than you might realize. A Centers for Disease Control study found that cycling is safer than such activities as tennis, swimming, fishing, driving, even walking. What should have you quaking in your pedals: the prospect of obesity,­ diabetes, and heart disease from inactivity. When bike accidents do occur, only 11 percent involve an automobile. The vast majority—73 percent—involve no one but the cyclist. Embarrassing-but-true fact: Fifty-nine percent are solo falls. The other 14 percent are collisions with stationary objects such as trees. (The most common victims are children, so keep an eye on yours while they’re getting the hang of riding.) Another misconception: People­ think they’ll get hit from behind. But collisions with a car driving in the same direction are relatively rare, accounting for less than 2 percent of all bike crashes. You’re more likely to be hit at intersections, which account for 45 percent of car-on-bike accidents. Here are some common scenarios—and how to avoid them.

1. Stop Signs
Accidents can happen when somebody fails to yield—­and cyclists are at fault about 50 percent of the time.
Risk Reducer Yield to traffic that has the right-of-way at stop signs, and don’t assume that drivers will observe the law when you have the right-of-way.

2. Left Cross
A driver coming toward you makes a left turn across your direction of travel. Risk Reducer Wear bright clothing and proceed slowly enough that you will have time to stop if necessary. Assume the driver will not see you.

3. Right Hook
A motorist traveling in your direction makes a right turn across your direction of travel. Risk Reducer When traveling straight through an intersection, check for traffic behind you and don’t pass cars on the right. Also, take the lane: Ride with traffic, not on the shoulder.

 
When to Break the Rules
The best way to prevent crashes: Follow traffic regulations. That said, some laws allow you to make exceptions to stay safe.

If the law says you must… Ride in the bike lane
You’re still allowed to…Leave the bike lane to avoid an obstacle such as a pothole.

If the law says you must… Ride as far to the right as practical
You’re still allowed to…Move left to avoid hazardous conditions.

If the law says you must… Continuously signal your turn
You’re still allowed to… Return your hand to the handlebar if you need it to control your bike.

Research and assistance by Rick Bernardi, J.D.

Ride of Silence Publicity

From Local15tv WPMI
(MOBILE, Ala.) – Dozens of silent cyclists wearing black armbands hit Mobile’s roadways Wednesday, honoring riders killed and seriously injured by cars.

The event, the second annual Ride of Silence, is meant not only as a memorial, but also to raise awareness among drivers. The cyclists ride in silence for a 7.5 mile trek with police escort.

“We all have a right to share the road,” Ride of Silence organizer Jeff Grill said. “Too many times the driver says ‘I never saw the cyclist.’ Too many times you have drivers leaving the scene after hitting a cyclist.”

In the event’s first year, more than 200 cyclists showed up despite little advertisement.

“I expect to top last year,” Grill said.

This year’s event featured two special speakers.

“Both are cyclists that have been hit,” Grill said. “One was hit last year, and she hasn’t been on a bike since. She’s endured lots of surgeries and pain.”

Last year, Mobile County was rated the deadliest in Alabama for vehicle-bicycle collisions.

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2nd Annual Ride of Silence–Mobile

Ride of Silence MobileTo honor and remember cyclists who have been hit, killed, and injured while cycling.
This is a free, police-escorted 7.66 mile ride, in silence, at a 10–12 mph pace.

Helmets are required—reflective attire and lights are recommended.

The Ride of Silence–Mobile is sponsored by Team Share the Road, an Alabama 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions to Team Share the Road are tax-deductible.

Contributions will be accepted to assist with the cost of the Police escort.

We will assemble at 5:30.

At 5:45, we will hear opening remarks, a reading of the names of cyclists who have been killed or injured, comments from selected cyclists, and instructions to riders .

We will roll out promptly at 6:00 p.m., in silence, two by two.

The first mile will be a slow ride through the Oakleigh Historic Garden District beginning and ending at Washington Square so that riders who prefer a shorter ride and slower pace may participate.

After circling Washington Square, where slower riders may disengage from the group, the remaining riders will continue, with the police escort west on Palmetto St. one block, to George St., north to Government St., west to South Monterey St., North to Dauphin St., east to Royal St. north on Royal St. to St. Anthony St., West on St. Anthony St. to Broad St., south on Broad St. to Charleston St., West on Charleston St. to Washington Square, where we will circle the square to the starting point.

The 2012 Ride of Silence—Mobile will conclude by 7:00 p.m.

Local establishments, within walking distance of Washington Square, include Callaghan’s Irish Social Club, the Kitchen on George, and Cream and Sugar. We encourage your support of these fine establishments.

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Bicycling in Mobile

BicycleMobile.org is a an advocacy website devoted to every aspect of bicycling in Mobile, AL. We have lists of group rides, information about bike shops and a list of key issues for advocacy and infrastructure.

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