Motor vehicle accidents involving bicyclists remain an alarming concern in Connecticut, with five fatalities reported in 2023, up from the previous two years. Bike injuries involving motor vehicles are far less isolated incidents, with 336 vehicle-related injuries reported last year. The Annual Report of the Connecticut Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board, which launched after the 2009 enactment of the state’s Complete Streets legislation, shows a troubling trend in traffic-related fatalities in both areas. Despite bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure improvements, the number of deaths and severe injuries indicates that further safety measures are needed.
Why bicyclists are at risk
Bicyclists in Connecticut face several risks that contribute to injuries and fatalities:
- Distracted driving: Drivers who use cellphones or other devices often overlook or ignore cyclists.
- Unsafe lane changes: Drivers make unsafe lane changes or turn without checking for cyclists.
- Close proximity: Drive vehicles too close to bike lanes or shoulders.
- Failure to yield: Drivers are not yielding at stop signs, yield signs, or when entering roadways.
- Dooring: Occupants opening vehicle doors into the path of oncoming cyclists.
While the first two points are common risks for all who use the road, the last three highlight significant and avoidable risks that riders face whenever they hop on a bike. As with motorcyclists and pedestrians, bicyclists are especially vulnerable to injuries on our roadways, where even light contact can send them tumbling to the pavement.
Infrastructure for a safe ride
Connecticut has been actively working on improving infrastructure to enhance bicycle safety. Some key initiatives include:
- Community Connectivity Grant Program: This program funds local projects to improve safety and accessibility for bicyclists and pedestrians in urban, suburban, and rural areas. The grants range from $125,000 to $600,000 and focus on creating safer, more accommodating environments.
- Complete Streets policy: Connecticut’s Complete Streets Law mandates the inclusion of safe and accessible bicycle and pedestrian facilities in transportation projects. This includes bike lanes, sidewalks, and separated pathways to ensure safer travel for cyclists.
- Federal funding utilization: The state is leveraging federal funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to support these improvements. This includes enhancing existing bike lanes, creating new ones, and improving road crossings.
- Public awareness campaigns: Efforts are ongoing to educate drivers and cyclists about road safety and the importance of sharing the road.
These measures aim to create a safer and more connected environment for cyclists.
Drivers can be held accountable
While the above measures certainly make a difference, injured riders and their families have the right to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim if the person operating the motor vehicle is responsible for the crash.
