Through analysis of crash data, Trisha Volpe of Minnesota Public Radio and Kare 11 News has determined the top intersections for bicycle accidents in Minneapolis. Interestingly enough, the five intersections with the highest rates of bike crashes share several common factors. All of the intersections have:
- High automobile, bicycle and pedestrian traffic,
- Confusing traffic patterns with several different converging roads, and
- Bikeways that are confusing to both bikers and drivers as to who has the right of way.
From 2009-2013, there have been over 1400 reported bike accidents in Minneapolis. While bike/car accidents comprise many of these accidents, this number also reflects bike/pedestrian accidents and accidents where only cyclists were involved. Seven of those accidents have resulted in fatalities.
While the number of bike accidents is substantial, the bicycle accident rates in Minneapolis have remained steady. Meanwhile the number of people regularly riding bikes has increased substantially. In the period of study, the number of crashes that took place stayed about the same while the number of bicyclists on the road increased by about 70%.
According to avid cyclist and bike accident attorney Fred Pritzker, this is good news for cyclists. “We live in a community where we are privileged to enjoy relatively safe streets,” said Pritzker. “But there is still work to be done. Cyclists still experience substantial discomfort and risk from motorists. Until that no longer happens, there is still work to be done.”
According to Volpe’s research, the top intersections for bicycle crashes in Minneapolis are:
- Franklin Ave. at Cedar and Minnehaha (21 accidents);
- Lake Street and Lyndale Ave. (11 accidents);
- Franklin Ave. at Lyndale Ave. (8 accidents);
- Hennepin Ave. at 1st and 2nd Streets (7 accidents); and
- Hennepin Ave. at Lyndale Ave. and Groveland.
In order to get a better feel for what bicycling through these intersections is like, Volpe enlisted veteran bike commuter Janne Flisrand to bike through these difficult areas with cameras affixed to her bicycle. It was easy to see why bike commuting can be a stressful experience. Cars moved quickly and closely around her. At times it was unclear if drivers even saw her (despite her neon yellow jacket).
Employing cameras to document the experiences of cyclists like Janne did may be key to improving the bicycle infrastructure in Minneapolis. The city has already placed cameras around town to help understand what intersection configurations are safest and most effective. Interpreting this data could allow the city to finish the second half of their 400-mile master plan.
While refining Minneapolis’ bike infrastructure will certainly make streets safer for cyclists, bicyclists must also take measures to protect themselves. Volpe advises cyclists that the number one way to keep yourself safe is to ride predictably. This means don’t run red lights and don’t bike on sidewalks in heavily trafficked areas.
Fred Pritzker also offers the following tips of his own to help keep you safe.
- Always obey traffic signs and signals
- Always wear a helmet
- Never wear headphones while biking
- Use lights while riding at night
If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, it is important you work with an attorney who understands the nuances of bikes and bike accident law. Fred Pritzker has represented countless cyclists injured or killed in accidents. Most importantly, Fred is a cyclist himself and understands what it is like to be out on the road. For more information or a free consultation of you bicycle accident lawsuit, contact Fred now.