Sharing the Road: Optimizing Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety and Vehicle Mobility
Source: Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT)
Between 2005 and 2010, 6,948 pedestrians were injured in automobile crashes in the State of Michigan and 775 pedestrians were killed. During this same time, 5,500 bicyclists were injured and 147 bicyclists were killed in automobile crashes. While the number of crashes occurring nationwide is decreasing, automobile crashes continue to be one of the leading causes of death.
This research initiative combines the results of five reports to provide recommendations for improving the multimodal aspects of the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) transportation network through the use of practices, guidelines, and policies that MDOT engineers use to design and construct pedestrian, bicycle, and automobile facilities.
Recommendations were based on information collected and analyzed in the following reports:
- An analysis of crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists in Michigan
- A review and summary of current roadway improvements summarized by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and their impacts on reducing crashes and their potential impact on mobility for all users
- A case study analysis at five roadway improvement projects in Michigan and crash impacts at each location
- A review of emerging design innovations provided by the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO)
- A summary report of the best design practices for pedestrian, bicycle, and automobile improvements in Michigan
This last report presents the improvements that were found to have the greatest utility in Michigan with respect to pedestrian and bicyclist safety and vehicle mobility. Created as a standalone document, Best Design Practices for Walking and Bicycling in Michigan is organized as a toolbox for planners and designers of pedestrian and bicycle facilities.
In addition, as part of the final report, a review was conducted of existing MDOT manuals, guidelines, and other publications that guide the planning and design pedestrian and bicycle facilities in Michigan. Recommendations were provided to facilitate the inclusion of these best practices in various MDOT roadway design documents.
