NYBC Launches Bike Walk 2010:  a Statewide Safety Campaign

The New York Bicycle Coalition (NYBC), representing the interests of over 300,00 cyclists in New York State, and in partnership with the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC), announces an ambitious three-year program aimed at stemming New York’s growing pedestrian and bicycle collision problem and increasing the safety of cyclists and pedestrians throughout the state.

In 2005 nearly 25% of major injuries and fatalities on New York roadways were pedestrians and bicyclists, almost twice the national average.  “These crashes and fatalities are a tragedy for both victims and drivers—and are often preventable,” states Joshua Poppel of NYBC.  “Walking and cycling are important forms of transportation, exercise and recreation in our communities and all users, including motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians, must share the same roads.”

For the past decade, NYBC has been working with the GTSC to increase the safety and visibility of bicyclists and pedestrians in New York State.  During that time, the partnership has produced a number of valuable tools, including a CD Toolkit for planners, an innovative safety manual, and most recently, a progressive “Share the Road” program to educate Driver’s Education teachers on important safety material to incorporate into their classes.  Bike Walk 2010 will synthesize the successes of prior programs and enable NYBC to work with local Traffic Safety Boards across the state to improve planning and safety measures in order to offer a shared, safe road system that encompasses the needs and equal rights of drivers, walkers, and cyclists.

The efforts of Bike Walk 2010 will be fourfold:

• Work with local Traffic Safety Boards to identify high danger areas for people walking and bicycling, and address ways theses areas can be improved to reduce potential collisions;
• Continue to expand the exposure of motor vehicle drivers to the “Share the Road” message;
• Incorporate expanded safety training to all local bicycle clubs in New York State and work with local schools to provide a curriculum for safe walking and biking;
• Provide additional safety materials directly to schools and club cyclists as well as local traffic safety boards that will make people walking and bicycling more visible and better educated to the hazards of the roadway.  Safety materials such as lights, reflectors and other educational literature will be widely disseminated and promoted.

With the introduction of “Safe Routes to School Programs,” an increased number of students will be bicycling and walking our roads.  The rising costs of gasoline and environmental concerns regarding global warming also indicate we are likely to see more bicyclists and pedestrians on the road in the coming months and years.  Richard Brustman, current Board President of NYBC and retired transportation analyst with NYS Department of Transportation, reminds us that “now, more than ever, we need to create a safe environment for all road users.”

If you are interested in participating in any of the Bike Walk 2010 programs, please drop us a line at nybc@nybc.net or call 518.436.0889.