Parker Waichman LLP

Research Shows That Bike Boxes Improve Cyclist Safety

According to an online news report published on eurekalert.org, a special painted-off area, also known as a “bike box,” helps keep bicyclists safe, according to a new research study conducted by the Oregon State University College of Engineering. The research study states that bike boxes also prevent accidents at metropolitan, signalized intersections. The research results published […]

Research shows that bike boxes improve cyclist safety

Bike Box Accidents

According to an online news report published on eurekalert.org, a special painted-off area, also known as a “bike box,” helps keep bicyclists safe, according to a new research study conducted by the Oregon State University College of Engineering. The research study states that bike boxes also prevent accidents at metropolitan, signalized intersections. The research results published in Accident Analysis & Prevention are significant due to the number of fatal cycling crashes that happen each year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, cycling deaths are on the rise, and almost half of these bicycle-car crashes occur at intersections in urban areas. In 2020, more than 930 bicyclists were tragically killed in the United States. This is an 8.9% increase over 2019.

The National Safety Council, a non-profit organization that keeps track of bicycle fatality data, states that bicycle traffic deaths have risen by 44% in the last ten years.

The research study was conducted by Logan Scott-Deeter, an Oregon State civil engineering graduate research assistant, Professor David Hurwitz, a professor of transportation engineering at Oregon State, and Brendan Russo from Northern Arizona University. The bicycle safety research project utilized a bicycling simulator that recreates traffic conditions so they could observe and compare the results of three different intersection treatments – bicycle signals, the bike box, and a mixing zone.

Mixing zones blend in the bike lane before an intersection and then are replaced by different lane markings such as “sharrows.” Sharrows show motorists that bicycles will be sharing one traffic lane with motor vehicles that are trying to turn right and cross over the former bike lane.

Bicycle signals are dedicated traffic lights for cyclists. When the bicycle signals turn green, the bicyclist can safely cross the intersection.

Bike box treatments are painted boxes that create a special bicycle lane allowing cyclists to get a head start through the intersection. These are much more visible to drivers of motor vehicles and have been proven to be the safest option.

Researchers at Portland State University put forty research subjects through several traffic scenarios for all three intersection treatments. To gauge how well each design performed, the study researchers tracked eye movements, charted the riders’ paths, measured stress levels, and administered a survey.

The study concluded that the bike box performed the best and provided the best balance of increased safety and keeping cyclists ready to respond to traffic situations.

The study also found that mixing zone treatments created unpredictable riding behaviors, and bicycle signals made it more difficult for cyclists to detect a potential conflict vehicle. According to the cyclists, the mixing zone treatment “created the most discomfort” but also made the bicycle riders more careful through the intersection. The study found that the unpredictable and sporadic riding habits connected with mixing zones can expose bicyclists to higher accident risk.

Bike boxes demonstrated the most effective treatment for promoting safe cycling habits while delivering enhanced safety for cyclists who were riding into signalized intersections with motorized traffic.

Bicycle signals provided the highest levels of comfort for cyclists, but the bicyclists often assumed the traffic signals would protect them and the cyclists began to use less caution. This could lead to an increased risk of colliding with errant drivers. The researchers stated that they recommend installing bicycle signals only if an intersection clearly needs one.

CONTACT PARKER WAICHMAN LLP FOR A FREE CASE REVIEW

Parker Waichman LLP helps families recover monetary compensation for harm caused by dangerous drivers. For your free consultation, contact our Accident Law Firm today by using our live chat or calling 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529).

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism , Responsiveness I had the pleasure of working with Parker Waichman and especially Christina Morace who did a professional and fantastic job keeping me updated with everything. I am truly happy wit tge firm and Christina Morace.
angela Walker
2 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Took on my case when my original representative became dysfunctional. Accurate, knowledgeable, totally transparent. Excellent commincation, I couldn't have expected more. I highly recommend this firm!
Bob Ballard
4 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Awesome attorneys!
Glenn Rice
7 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038