Before the launch of the Mayors’ Challenge for Safer People, Safer Streets by U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx, the City and County of Denver was working on its first comprehensive bicycle/motor vehicle crash study. Rachael Bronson, Associate City Planner with Denver Public Works presented a preview of this Draft Report which aims to help Denver improve road safety by understanding the overall context of bicycle/motor vehicle crashes and crafting strategies to reduce them.

This report is unique in its approach to understanding how, where, and why crashes are happening. Using five years of crash report date from 2008 to 2012, the top crash types and specific countermeasures related to the League of American Bicyclists’ “Five E’s”: Engineering, Education, Enforcement, Encouragement, and Evaluation, were developed. For example, broadside crashes were the most prevalent crash type that may be mitigated through better bicycle signal detection, education for road users, enforcement at intersections, and encouragement of good behavior.

Currently, the City is moving forward to create a strategic action plan with representatives from various department, advocacy groups, and an INC representative. As Denver moves forward with its commitment to safer streets for all road users, we look forward to shaping the development of data-driven policies and street improvements that will make the travel experience more consistent, predictable, and safe.

We expect the Bike/Auto Crash Study to be published in April 2015 — thanks to Rachael Bronson for this preview! The Department of Public Works web site can be found awww.DenverGov.org/dpw.  Find out more about Denver’s bike program at www.DenverGov.org/bikeprogram