Skip to Content
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Log In
Bicycling

Why Americans Bike and Walk — Or Don’t

bike_safety.jpg

DC-area blog WashCycle points us to this recently released survey from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration [PDF].
The stats on Americans' bicycling and walking behavior are a little
behind the times -- from phone interviews done in 2002 -- but there are
reams of data compiled from nearly 10,000 questionnaires.

Some
of the most interesting nuggets concern perceptions of safety -- like
the fact that bicyclists are much more likely to feel unsafe on bike
lanes than on bike paths -- which buttress Jennifer Dill's research on cyclist behavior.


On
the walking side, suburban residents who walk are much more likely to
feel threatened by the "potential for crime" than city residents are.
But even crime-fearing suburbanites agree: Motorists are the number one threat to pedestrians:

ped_safety.jpg

Graphics: NHTSA

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog Los Angeles

Mayor Bass Issues Directive Creating City Capital Infrastructure Plan

Executive Directive 9 is designed to reform the city's processes for improving and maintaining public infrastructure, including streets, parks, and other public spaces

October 18, 2024

Eyes on the Street: New San Pedro Front Street Walk/Bike Path

The half mile long landscaped multi-use path extends from Regan Street (essentially under the Vincent Thomas Bridge) to just west of Pacific Avenue

October 17, 2024

Kevin de León’s Cynical CD14 Debate Performance Shows How Little He’s Grown

De León repeatedly accused Jurado of being a liar who lacked substantive accomplishments while taking credit for a number of projects initiated prior to his tenure.

October 16, 2024
See all posts