Alison Stewart - Bilingual’s Post

Nick Ferenchak and Wes Marshall's paper showing that cities with higher cycling were associated with better safety for all road users is one the more important articles suggesting that the Safe System Approach can work. Take the time to listen to their discussion with Kea Wilson on The Brake podcast: https://lnkd.in/eFsQSHnE However, I strongly disagree that we need a new framework for traffic safety. One of the great problems that we face in transportation is that when great ideas bubble up, they tend to go co-opted and rebranded to maintain status quo practice. Complete Streets, Vision Zero, and increasingly, the Safe Systems Approach are being intentionally or unintentionally redefined to be consistent with status-quo practice. We don't need a new framework. We need to be more rigorous about saying what is part of the Safe Systems approach and what is not. Creating a new framework will not solve this and distract us from focusing on what is important. The framework we need exists. Call it Safe Systems. Call it Vision Zero. Call it anything as long as we understand that controlling or preventing the release of kinetic energy is the most important thing we must do. In 1970, William Haddon wrote "On the Escape of Tigers.” He outlined ten strategies, in order of importance, to prevent injuries. The first was to "prevent the marshalling of the form of energy in the first place." His example for surface transportation was preventing "the starting and movement of vehicles." In other words, don't drive if you don't have to. Haddon's tenure as the Administrator of what would become NHTSA from 1966 to 1969 was influential, and his concepts have significantly advanced occupant safety. Claes Tingvall, a fellow epidemiologist and one of the architects of Vision Zero understood the pathology of injury and realized it's power if we applied it to the entire road system. This is abundantly clear in his early work on Vision Zero and he even cites "On the Escape of Tigers," noting that Haddon had showed us the way. It only requires a few thousand calories to power a human being each day. To drive a car a mile it takes much more energy than that required to move using human power. When we make it easier to shift trips to walking or cycling, we reduce system kinetic energy and decrease risk for everyone on the road. If we alter land uses to make trips shorter, we reduce the amount of energy marshalled (via mode shift or decreased trip distance). Therefore, mode shift is, and always has been, a key Safe Systems strategy. Traffic safety for all road users: A paired comparison study of small & mid-sized U.S. cities with high/low bicycling rates: https://lnkd.in/e7XN26Ae On the Escape of Tigers https://lnkd.in/ee4Dcp4X Vision Zero: How It All Started https://lnkd.in/ee4Dcp4X

I probably have about 4 silly arguments a week on here with mostly middle aged, affluent, suburban dwelling blokes on here who love to a) complain about traffic congestion and b) blame much of it on bike lanes that nobody uses. It's proper nonsense stuff and I kinda enjoy seeing where the argument goes, not really expecting to change their minds. But anyway, while they tell us nobody rides bikes in cities, the data tells us something different. More people are riding bike shares. Why? Because when you create better cycling infrastructure, more people ride bikes. We're doing a decent job on bike lanes so far, but have a way to go on bike parking. That's kinda what's so appealing about bike share. The next challenge is going to be keeping it up. The bike shares need more bikes and more docks. We could also make the charging infrastructure better for ebikes so less of them sit empty with the red light on. Places like Toronto have a long way to go to catch up with the leading cities here, but we're finally going in the right direction. Now, time to fix some of the broken bits of public transit so the bike shares become a complement to the system, rather than sometimes what you use when the bus doesn't turn up or the subway goes down. https://lnkd.in/gEtrqEjU

It may seem logical that fewer bike lanes will reduce traffic congestion for cars, but it turns out that's not true. Every person you see cycling is one less car clogging up the road. One way to become better informed about this is to look at other cities who have successfully built more bike lanes and seen improvements in traffic congestion as well as economic development. There are lots of European examples, but a more comparable city is Montreal. Montreal has seen a significant and steady increase in bicycle trips as its built out its bike lane network, which is now extensive. Some routes are seeing almost 5,000 cyclists per day. About 1/3 of the cyclists continue to ride in winter months, even with Montreal's colder and snowier winters. The result has been a reduction in the volume of cars, reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions, and increasing economic development as more people are able to get to stores and businesses. If you're a driver who never plans to ride a bike to work, there's nothing wrong with that. Imagine 5,000 fewer cars to contend with on your commute because others choose to cycle thanks to safe and protected bike lanes.

When you think about it, these findings are not surprising, with clear lessons to be learnt on the up take of e-scooters and available infrastructure. What are your thoughts?

Struggling to find a parking spot in London? You're not alone. A recent Lime report calls for a major overhaul, including creating more bays and repurposing road space. Can London find a parking solution that works for everyone? #LondonParking #ParkingStruggle #CityTraffic #LimeReport #RoadSpaceRevolution #ebike #electricbikes

Two days. Two times utilizing the pop up Cycle Toronto Bike Valet pilot being spearheaded by the folks at The Waterfront BIA Some thoughts: Welcome to the future, and don’t mind the slow uptick. Pedestrians, public transit users, and drivers all have an advantage when it comes to traveling to places. As a pedestrian, I walk or roll to my destination. As long as the door opens on the other side, I’m in. Public transit users hop on the bus, streetcar, or subway—doors open, doors close, and they’re good. For drivers, beyond the traffic they create and the headaches of finding parking, as long as the car is locked and not on the top ten vehicles to steal, it’s good to go. But for cyclists, upgrading from just riding to school with their children, going to the corner store, or commuting to work, riding to a destination and leaving the bike locked up on a ring post or in one of the many different metal frames that may or may not fit their type of bike can be the biggest gamble. As someone who has had their bikes stolen, it stings. It hurts. It also makes you less likely to do those extracurricular things, like going to movies, a baseball game, or just hanging out and exploring the waterfront. A Bike Valet is a part of the cycling infrastructure many of us are fighting to get in our city. Make the roads safe by reducing car dependency: slow vehicles down, narrow roads, create protected bike lanes, and prioritize vulnerable road users. It’s all there. But we often forget to include a safe place to park our bikes. Regardless of whether you paid $5,000, $500, or $50 for your bike, if you take more than ten trips a week on it, it’s your lifeline, your means of freedom. It’s your investment. You want to know that whether you’re away from it for five minutes or five hours, it will be looked after. I used the Bike Valet twice this weekend, once on my own and again with a group of riders from Charlie’s FreeWheels. I usually take my battery, helmet, and sometimes my seat along with a backpack when using the ring and post. But last night and again during today’s visit, my backpack was all I took. Both visits were for less than an hour, but the usual stress about whether my bike would still be there was gone. GONE! That might be the same stress a family could have removed before biking together to the waterfront to see a performance at Harbourfront, or a group of friends heading to a baseball game or concert at Rogers Centre. The barrier to exploring another part of the city is removed by just providing safe and secure parking for our bikes. My hope is this pilot, small as its timeframe may be, gives all involved the motivation to adopt the ‘build it and they will come’ mentality. This can be a game-changer. Looking forward to many more visits to the waterfront without carrying around my helmet.” h/t Tim Kocur Oliver Hierlihy #BikeTO

California Building Code is set to include new bike parking requirements. Providing convenient and secure bike parking can significantly influence individuals to choose biking as a regular transportation option. Check out more details here: [Link to Article] #California #BikeParking #Transportation #BuildingCode

We work closely with our land-owning clients on the masterplans that we take to market on their behalf. All have a concern about the legacy they leave in their area and many take a very keen interest in issues around sustainability - of which designing-in safe cycling is a key component. Fortunately, the issues facing London, with its popular e-bikes, aren't ones that trouble our developments. #housing #economy #sustainability https://lnkd.in/eHMrYyY3

Timnath Introduces New Road Signage in Rural Areas to Foster Safety Among Cyclists and Drivers: To enhance road safety in Timnath, especially along its rural routes where bike lanes and wide shoulders are scarce, new road signs remind motorists to give bicycles 3 feet of clearance. The initiative comes as part of a broader campaign to raise awareness and educate both cyclists and drivers on how to coexist safely on our roads. Most importantly, be patient and cautious and give plenty of space while passing bicyclists. Here are some more valuable tips for cyclists and drivers, inspired by recommendations from Bike Colorado and Bike Fort Collins: For Drivers: –  Maintain Safe Distance: Ensure at least a 3-foot clearance when passing cyclists, even if this means having to cross a double yellow line when safe to do so. –  Pass Safely: Only overtake a cyclist when the oncoming lane is fully visible and free of traffic. If conditions don’t allow for a safe pass, wait until they do. For Cyclists: –  Communicate Clearly: Always use hand signals at least 100 feet before turning, merging, or stopping, provided you can do so without compromising your control over the bike. –  Be Visible: Starting from dusk or in poor visibility conditions, equip your bike with a white front light, red rear reflector, and side reflectors to ensure you’re seen by others. –  Position Wisely: Ride side-by-side only when it doesn’t disrupt the normal flow of traffic. This can make you more visible and shorten the time drivers need to pass. However, always be prepared to ride in a single file if necessary. –  Use the Lane Appropriately: Stay in the right third of your lane when safe, but don’t hesitate to use the full lane to avoid hazards, make visible turns, or when passing. For more detailed safety tips and guidelines, road users are encouraged to visit the websites of Bike Colorado( https://lnkd.in/gTvte-sP) and Bike Fort Collins( https://lnkd.in/gckFvXYk). These resources offer extensive information on coexisting safely and respectfully, ensuring that our roads are safe for every user, whether on two wheels or four. The new signage in Timnath represents a step forward in our collective journey towards safer roads where everyone can travel safely and with peace of mind. The post Timnath Introduces New Road Signage in Rural Areas to Foster Safety Among Cyclists and Drivers appeared first on Town of Timnath. | timnathchamber.com #Timnath #Colorado #TimnathChamber

🅿️Bicycle parking: a boost to public health!🚲 Bicycle parking facilities play a crucial role in promoting public health. Here’s why: 💪 Encouraging Active Lifestyles: Secure and accessible bicycle parking encourages more people to choose cycling for their daily commutes. This increase in physical activity is beneficial for cardiovascular health. Cycling is an easy and moderate form of exercise that can be seamlessly integrated into daily routines. 🌍 Reducing Air Pollution: Increased bicycle use reduces reliance on cars, leading to improved air quality. By encouraging cycling, we can decrease co2 emissions and improve air quality. 🚦Promoting Safer Urban Environments: More cyclists on the roads can lead to lower car speeds and more cautious driving, reducing the number of road accidents and associated injuries and fatalities. Bicycle parking facilities are more than just infrastructure—they are essential tools for promoting a healthier, more sustainable urban lifestyle. Read more: https://lnkd.in/ec84HevB #bikeshare #bikesharing #micromobility