THE OVERVIEW
In South Carolina, from 2008 to 2012, there were 71 bicyclist fatalities (1.6% of total traffic deaths) and 353 severely injured bicyclists (2.1% of all traffic-related severe injuries).
OUR CHALLENGE
Improper bicyclists’ actions account for nearly 30% of the contributing factors in fatal and severe injury collisions in which they were involved.
The figure below illustrates the top contributing factors for bicyclist-involved fatal and severe injury collisions. The actions of a non-motorist, in this
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VRU-Bicyclists
View Graph
(Route Classification)
OUR STRATEGIES
Education, Enforcement, Engineering and Emergency Management Services
1 Improve bicyclist facilities.
STRATEGIES (HOW)
1.1 Consider bicycle accommodations, mobility, and safety needs during the needs assessment of all projects.
Implementation Area(s): Engineering
1.2 Implement separate paths for bicyclists where supported by crash/ safety data.
Implementation Area(s): Engineering
2 Improve bicyclist safety awareness and behavior.
STRATEGIES (HOW)
2.1 Increase bicycle safety education programs in elementary schools.
Implementation Area(s): Education
2.2 Educate roadway users on bicycle visibility, performance, etc.
Implementation Area(s): Education
2.3 Promote the use of reflective apparel and lights among bicyclists.
Implementation Area(s): Education
2.4 Educate law enforcement and all road users (including bicyclists) on bicycle laws.
Implementation Area(s): Education
3 Coordinate with local stakeholders to reduce the number and severity of bicycle-involved collisions.
STRATEGIES (HOW)
3.1 Identify top counties with bicycle- involved collisions, approach MPOs/COGs to offer statistical assistance, and discuss possible countermeasures.
Implementation Area(s): Education, Engineering
3.2 Encourage the continued School Audits performed by DHEC and other community stakeholders.
Implementation Area(s): Public Policy