BikeWalkLee Column in "Go Coastal" section of News-Press--May 28, 2015
http://www.news-press.com/story/life/outdoors/2015/05/27/rise-fatalities-concern-lee-county-road-users/28012639/Should bikers and walkers who use Lee County roads care about a sudden spike in traffic crashes and resulting deaths?
Absolutely, because anything that impacts any road user ultimately affects every road user.Let’s say the reason for the rise in crashes and deaths is poor road conditions — roads that are overused, under-maintained or poorly designed. Cyclists and pedestrians will also suffer from deteriorating conditions, from rundown roads and from a higher risk for those conditions to spawn crashes that could include people walking or cycling on or alongside the road.
The same logic applies if the reason for the spike in fatalities is due to a failure of equipment — vehicles malfunctioning in ways that result in collisions and possible injuries. People walking or cycling nearby could be collateral damage just the same.
If the real reason for the risk rise is driver error — say, inattention, impairment or imprudent speed — cyclists and pedestrians sharing those roadways are even more at risk. If bad drivers are causing more accidents that result in more traffic deaths, bikers and walkers surely stand no chance if they become part of such a pile-up.
This year-to-date spike in traffic fatalities may just be an anomaly, the result of more traffic bringing more problems. (The fact that the highest fatality year on record — 2007 — was also the last economic boom year before the recession reined in traffic, offers an interesting correlation.) Nonetheless, those who worry about the safety of our roadways would be wise to watch this trend closely, particularly to ascertain what’s really causing the calamities.
If it’s bad roads, an infrastructure investment may be in order — particularly in complete street designs, which make roads safer for all users by building in enough space for every user to move safely, whatever the method.
If it’s bad drivers, then more enforcement and education may be necessary — to catch bad drivers before they cause harm and to remind good drivers to pay better attention to the task at hand (which is to drive safely, and nothing else).
BikeWalkLee is a community coalition raising public awareness and advocating for complete streets in Lee County—streets that are designed, built, operated and maintained for safe and convenient travel for all users: pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and transit riders of all ages and abilities. Information, statistics and background online at www.BikeWalkLee.org.
Ready to ride or run?
Run: Become part of the oldest running group around, by taking part in the Fort Myers Track Club Membership 5K on Saturday, June 6. Participation makes you a member for the next year, and the camaraderie will keep you coming back — for example, to their Summer Fun Runs which kick off June 11 and alternate between Thursday and Tuesdays every other week throughout the summer. Check out www.fortmyerstrackclub.com for details.
Ride: Support women and bikes at Women’s Ride Day on Sunday with 15-, 30- and 45-mile rides beginning at 8 a.m. Starts from Go Girl Cycling, 9377 Six Mile Cypress Parkway, Fort Myers.
Both: Summer tris are getting under way… so grab your gear for the Naples Fitness Challenge on June 7, or time your training to get ready for upcoming events in Englewood (July 18), Captiva (Sept. 13) or Marco Island (Oct. 5).
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