@article{ref1,
title="Evaluating the Safety Effects of Bicycle Lanes in New York City",
journal="American journal of public health",
year="2011",
author="Chen, Li and Chen, Cynthia and Srinivasan, Raghavan and McKnight, Claire E. and Ewing, Reid and Roe, Matthew",
volume="102",
number="6",
pages="1120-1127",
abstract="Objectives. We evaluated the effects of bicycle lanes on different categories of crashes (total crashes, bicyclist crashes, pedestrian crashes, multiple-vehicle crashes, and injurious or fatal crashes) occurring on roadway segments and at intersections in New York City. Methods. We used generalized estimating equation methodology to compare changes in police-reported crashes in a treatment group and a comparison group before and after installation of bicycle lanes. Our study approach allowed us to control confounding factors, such as built environment characteristics, that cannot typically be controlled when a comparison group is used. Results. Installation of bicycle lanes did not lead to an increase in crashes, despite the probable increase in the number of bicyclists. The most likely explanations for the lack of increase in crashes are reduced vehicular speeds and fewer conflicts between vehicles and bicyclists after installation of these lanes. Conclusions. Our results indicate that characteristics of the built environment have a direct impact on crashes and that they should thus be controlled in studies evaluating traffic countermeasures such as bicycle lanes. To prevent crashes at intersections, we recommend installation of &quot;bike boxes&quot; and colored lane markings at intersections. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print November 17, 2011: e1-e7. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2011.300319).<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0090-0036",
doi="10.2105/AJPH.2011.300319",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2011.300319"
}