Bicycle

Transportation Programs

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Reported Bicycle Collisions in
Santa Cruz County, 2008

Produced by Ecology Action Sustainable Transportation Group

This is the first time that Santa Cruz countywide bike crash statistics have been compiled on a map accessible to the public. The purpose of mapping the crashes is to increase awareness and pinpoint possible trouble areas. This will allow all stakeholders to improve infrastructure and modify road-user behavior.

221 crashes were reported in 2008, although many more are not reported. There was a 26% increase of bike crashes with injuries, 189 total, compared to the average from the preceding three years of crash figures.

Bike Crash Map

Injury:

2 killed
18 severe injuries
112 sustained visible injuries
57 complained of pain

Streets with most crashes:

Soquel Drive: 21
Soquel Avenue: 17
Pacific Avenue, Laurel and Bay Streets: 11 each
Freedom Boulevard: 10
Route 1 and Ocean Street: 9 each
University of California at Santa Cruz: 9

Fault:

79% of the crashes involved a car; of these:

43% cyclist was found at fault
37% driver was found at fault
20% no fault was assigned or was unknown

19% of the crashes were solo bike crashes

2% of the crashes involved a parked car or other

These statistics only account for bike crashes where a police office was called to the scene and took a report. Ecology Action will continue to closely monitor the crash data as all cyclists want better infrastructure and safer roads. Ecology Action provides numerous programs and resources to educate bicyclists and motorists on road safety. We also work with local public agencies to identify and advocate for improved bicycle infrastructure.

Program Contact

Piet Canin

Vice President, Transportation Group
Phone: 831-515-1327
Email

 

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