Re: Bicycle Accident Stats

The thing about the Netherlands is that motorists know how to drive,  
are far better trained to drive with the idea that there are other  
road users who have the right of way.


The bike paths here on Martha's Vineyard in many ways look like the  
paths in Holland. Cyclists and pedestrians have the right of way over  
motor vehicles crossing the paths. One such path we have here is  
about 8 miles long with over 130 curb cuts. There is no enforcement  
by the authorities and each and everyone of these curb cuts equates  
to a game of Russian Roulette for cyclists on these paths. The  
motorists for the most part don't stop and look both ways before  
crossing these paths.

The highway departments stick up stop signs for the path for the path  
users. Stop signs that all six Chiefs of Police, the County Sheriff  
and the Head of the State Police here on Island say unanimously, "are  
not legal, not enforceable and give the motorists the false idea that  
they have the right of way.

Our chamber of commerce spouts how safe these paths are for all  
cyclists putting out a false sense of security for those who use  
these paths.

They are also used as turning lanes, passing lanes, bus pull offs,  
staging for construction and parking.  The Police will do something  
if they get a call but will drive right on by otherwise.

Bicyclists are not a priority.

The 9 safety issues  that are listed in the AASHTO Guide about side  
paths, describe the path ways of Martha's Vineyard to a T. I bet that  
there are a great many such paths all over the United States such as  
we have here.

David

On Feb 11, 2011, at 9:21 AM, Allen Morris wrote:

> Whenever talking about the bike paths in the Netherlands it is  
> vital to keep
> in mind that bicycles have the right of way over both cars and  
> pedestrians.
>
> Also round-abouts reduce the conflict between side paths and car  
> traffic
> when the bicycle has the right of way in the round-about.