Bicycle Safety Continuing Safety Areas

CHALLENGE

Bicycle travel is continuing to increase. With more bicyclists on the road there is a need for increased low-stressed bicycle infrastructure. Bicycle safety presents an opportunity for a partnership with many organizations to improve this mode of travel. Important components of this area are promoting helmet use and education/enforcement directed to both motorists and bicyclists.

Emerging modes of micromobility such as, e-bikes, scooter and bike sharing, electric powered skateboards and monowheels, etc pose unique opportunities and challenges for safety, infrastructure, education and enforcement.

DIRECTION

Continue addressing bicycle and micromobility user needs on transportation facilities. Increase efforts for bicyclist and motorist education.

PRIORITY STRATEGIES

ENGINEERING
  • Use the AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities and other adopted guidance documents.
  • Develop a Bicycle Accomodations in Workzones Standards book.
  • Improve signage and infrastructure addressing safety for motorists and bicyclists along heavily used bicycle corridors where appropriate.
  • Determine heavy collision hotspots and implement mitigation measures.
  • Develop Utah Department of Transportation specific bicycle standards.
EDUCATION
  • Continue Heads Up safety campaigns.
  • Develop safety messaging for micromobility users.
  • Increase the promotion of bicycle helmet use, with a special focus among school age children.
  • Continue partnership for educational programs targeting adults and children on bicycle safety.
  • Develop educational programs that teach drivers the importance of sharing the road, including the three-foot law.
  • Research creating a Safety Garden in Utah.
ENFORCEMENT
  • Better inform law enforcement of traffic laws as they pertain to both motorists and bicyclists and encourage enforcement of the laws.
  • Meet twice a year with local law enforcement on bicycle concerns.
  • Continue to promote bike rodeos in local communities.
EMERGENCY SERVICES

Encourage involvement of local emergency medical service providers in the implementation of educational programs.

LEADERS
  • Utah Department of Public Safety:
    • Highway Safety Office,
    • Utah Highway Patrol,
  • Utah Department of Transportation
  • Statewide Local Law Enforcement Agencies
  • Metropolitan Planning Organizations
  • Utah Chiefs of Police Association
  • Utah Department of Health,
    • Bureau of EMS and Preparedness
    • Violence and Injury Prevention Program
  • Local Health Departments