A 2003 study performed by Public Health Consultant, PL Jacobsen, noted the following unexpected results: “The likelihood that a given person walking or bicycling will be struck by a motorist varies inversely with the amount of walking or bicycling. This pattern is consistent across communities of varying size, from specific intersections to cities and countries, and across time periods.”

The studies main discussion point states that “Since it is unlikely that the people walking and bicycling become more cautious if their numbers are larger, it indicates that the behavior of motorists controls the likelihood of collisions with people walking and bicycling. It appears that motorists adjust their behavior in the presence of people walking and bicycling. There is an urgent need for further exploration of the human factors controlling motorist behavior in the presence of people walking and bicycling.”

These findings corroborate Portland’s more recent studies noting that the increase in ridership occurring after bike lane implementation, has dramatically reduced bicycle accident rates. BFOC is working to bring more awareness to the forward planning of cities like Portland, Boulder, New York, Berkley, Phoenix, San Diego and Louisville in addressing bicycle infrastructure. With time, the data continues to show greater success with these city’s planning. Our job is to make sure Dallas’ city leaders take notice.