Questions and Answers
What year was the first officially designated bicycle path in the United States constructed?
Which concept relates directly to ensuring that multiple modes of transportation are effectively balanced in planning?
During which period did dedicated bicycle facilities such as lanes and multi-use paths become widespread?
Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an important consideration in the context of pedestrian and bicyclist planning?
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What aspect of transportation planning specifically addresses the unique issues faced by pedestrians?
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What percentage of pedestrian fatalities in 2013 were accounted for by individuals aged 5 to 15 and those 65 and older combined?
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How often, on average, did a pedestrian die due to traffic crashes in 2013?
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What was the approximate number of pedestrian injuries reported in 2013?
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Which age group represented nearly one-fifth of pedestrian fatalities in 2013?
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In which century did the use of bicycles as a mode of transportation become immensely popular?
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Study Notes
Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety Statistics
- In 2013, 66,000 pedestrians were injured and 4,735 were killed in traffic crashes, averaging one fatality every 2 hours.
- Approximately every 8 minutes, a pedestrian is injured in a traffic crash.
- Nearly 20% of children (14 and younger) who died in traffic accidents were pedestrians, while ages 5-15 and 65+ accounted for 23% of pedestrian fatalities.
- Children represented 15% (10,000) of the 66,000 pedestrian injuries in 2013.
Evolution of Pedestrian and Bicycle Transportation
- Walking has historically been the most basic form of transportation, significantly influencing city layout before the Industrial Revolution.
- Bicycling gained popularity in the late 1800s, with the first designated bike path in the U.S. constructed in 1894 in Brooklyn, NY.
- Widespread dedicated bicycle facilities emerged in the late 20th century as planning efforts focused on pedestrian and bicyclist safety.
Current Planning Environment for Pedestrians and Bicyclists
- Modern transportation planning incorporates various modes of travel, emphasizing:
- Balance among transportation methods.
- Concepts such as Complete Streets and context-sensitive designs.
- Key considerations include land use, education and enforcement initiatives, flexible design for safety, and thorough analysis of pedestrian and bicyclist needs.
Mode-Specific Planning and Design Issues
- Understanding user characteristics is vital for designing bicycle facilities; the nature of cyclists determines facility use.
- National design guidelines exist to govern bicycle facility construction and management.
- Various facility types include signed routes, shared lane markings, on-street bike lanes, and off-street paths.
Hazard Identification and Mitigation
- Spot hazards like sudden facility alignment changes or pavement defects pose serious risks to cyclists.
- Quick evasive actions may lead to dangerous situations, including crashes with motor vehicles.
Pedestrian Experience and Planning
- Walking choices are influenced by perceived experience quality, including safety and convenience.
- Advanced planning considers urban design and the interaction of land use and road networks to enhance pedestrian movement.
Key Characteristics and Needs of Pedestrians
- Planning for pedestrians necessitates understanding movement characteristics and land-use relationships.
- Factors like space requirements (18 in. x 24 in. per average pedestrian) and crash types are critical in facility design.
- Construction sites should provide alternate routes for disabled pedestrians, ensuring accessibility during interruptions.
Maintenance and Awareness Measures
- Maintaining pedestrian facilities is crucial for safety; jurisdictions often bear responsibility for sidewalk upkeep.
- A periodic inspection schedule and a dedicated maintenance budget are recommended for both pedestrian and bicycle facilities.
- Measures to improve motorist awareness include minimizing ramp widths and posting warning signs at pedestrian crossings on exit ramps.
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Description
Test your knowledge on pedestrian safety statistics and traffic-related incidents. This quiz covers key data about pedestrian injuries and fatalities to help raise awareness and promote safety. Challenge yourself and learn more about this important public safety issue.
