New Jersey is becoming a safer place to walk and bike, new data shows. The state has seen an eight percent decline in traffic fatalities, according to preliminary crash statistics for the year, and the trend is particularly encouraging for pedestrians and cyclists, writes Michelle Ernst at Mobilizing the Region:

A New Jersey police officer on a "crosswalk sting." Photo: Mobilizing the Region

What’s most striking about the statistics is the victim classification break down. A 25 percent decline in bicycle and pedestrian fatalities makes up the entire year-to-date reduction in statewide traffic fatalities.

While passenger and driver fatality rates are unchanged, bicyclist fatalities dropped from 10 to 7 and pedestrian fatalities dropped from 106 to 80, compared to the same period last year. Ernst discusses the role some statewide legal reforms may have played in the reduction:

Obviously there isn’t enough data to show causality between the decline in fatalities and New Jersey’s recently passed law requiring drivers to “stop and stay stopped” for pedestrians in crosswalks, or the ensuing crackdown on motorists who fail to yield. But the numbers certainly help allay concerns that the law would increase pedestrian fatalities by emboldening people to -- horror! -- cross the street.

Also on the Network, Grist explains how Ryan Rzepecki's "Social Bicycle" bike-sharing system works; Austin Two Wheels makes the case for bicycle infrastructure using data from New York City; and Dead Horse Times calls for "micro-routes" to help fill the void left by the elimination of a bus route in Portland.

Sometimes expanding access to transit can be as easy as reexamining assumptions about riders’ needs. That may be the early lesson from a 30-day experiment Houston METRO is conducting on 11 trains. The transit authority has removed four benches -- or eight seats -- from cars on those trains in a bid to increase comfort for users who need extra space.

The move is a win for a diverse group of transit riders, from cyclists to wheelchair users to parents with young children, explains Dean Hall at NEOHouston:

Photo: Houston Metro

This is a boon for bicyclists who can use the open space for their bike while holding on to the new overhead straps.  The open area can also be utilized by persons in wheelchairs.

However, I think the biggest gains will be for parents who transport their infants and toddlers in strollers.  Previously, only the smallest umbrella-style strollers could easily negotiate an LRT car’s narrow center aisle. I have a personal experience trying to manage one of the larger style strollers and I received looks from other passengers who had to make room for me and the stroller that was convenient for me, but an imposition to those around me...

So, thank you, METRO. By taking something away, you’ve improved options for three types of riders.

Today Delaware Governor signed SB 269 into law. The bill, modeled after an Oregon law, enhances the penalty for drivers convicted of careless or inattentive drivers who cause serious physical injury to cyclists, pedestrians and other vulnerable road users. The new law includes sentencing guidelines such as:

• completion of a traffic safety course
• perform up to 100 hours of community service related to driver improvement and providing public education on traffic safety
• fines up to $550
• suspension of driving privileges

In response to the bill signing, League President Andy Clarke said “We’re excited that Delaware is becoming the third state in the nation to pass such a Vulnerable Road Users law that offers additional protection to cyclists and other non-motorized users of our shared roadways. It is this sort of leadership that has propelled them to 10^th in our annual state rankings and garnered them a Bronze Level Bicycle Friendly State designation. We look forward to Delaware’s continued progressing in making their state a great place for bicyclists.”

If you live in Delaware please be sure to thank bill sponsors Senator Sokola and Representative Barbieri and co-sponsors Sen. Bunting and Reps. Bennett, Carson, Hudson, Jaques, Miro, Schooley, D. Short, Walls & Brady. Thanks also to Bike Delaware, Delaware Bicycle Council and Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia for their work in advocating for this law.

~Jeff Peel
State & Local Advocacy Coordinator