Wisconsin Bike Fed Share and Be Aware Program Working to Make Roads Safer for Pedestrians and Cyclists

 Posted on March 30, 2016 in Bicycle Accidents

Last year, Wisconsin saw a 22 percent increase in the number of pedestrian deaths (45 to 55). The number of bicycle deaths also increased, going from just four in 2014 to 15 in 2015. It might be easy to look at the pedestrian and bicyclist accident numbers and consider them the “price” of traffic and travel, but each death represents a person. A family that has lost someone they love. The Wisconsin Bike Fed is hoping to remind us of that through their Share and Be Aware program.

More Statistics on Pedestrian, Cyclist Accidents

According to an analysis of crash reports from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, more than 40 of the pedestrians killed from 2011 to 2013 were killed in crosswalks. The drivers who hit them all failed to yield, despite the Wisconsin law statute that requires all drivers yield to pedestrians in crosswalks. Moreover, the analysis determined that at least 65 percent of all crosswalk intersection deaths are due to driver errors.

Cyclists do not fare any better than pedestrians; although they have the same rights as motorists on the street, many are hit when they are attempting to make a left-hand turn and the driver fails to yield. The other main factors for bicycle-auto accidents include motorists driving out at a sign control (such as turning right on red or pulling ahead during a red light) and bicyclists riding through signed controls.

Share and Be Aware Program

In conjunction with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, the Wisconsin Bike Fed is implementing and promoting their Share and Be Aware safety program. Designed to remind Wisconsinites that everyone is responsible for pedestrian and cyclist, it focuses on three very basic concepts: Slow down, look for others, and yield to your neighbor. Advocates are available, free of charge, to speak or teach a class at business and community groups, community events, and public meetings. The idea is to hopefully spread the word and make the streets safer for all.

Injured by a Motorist? You May Be Due Compensation

If you or someone you love has been injured or killed by a motorist in a pedestrian or bicycle accident, you may be due compensation. Unfortunately, these cases are often complex and difficult to win alone. The experienced Milwaukee pedestrian and bicycle accident attorneys of Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP can help ensure your rights are protected and that your case receives careful consideration. To learn more, call 414-271-1440 and schedule a consultation today.

Sources:

http://www.jsonline.com/news/opinion/slow-down-yield-save-lives-b99660337z1-366927311.html

http://www.wisconsinbikefed.org/for-your-community/share-be-aware/

http://wisconsindot.gov/Documents/safety/education/crash-data/2013/bicycle.pdf