Streetcar tracks increase risk of bike crashes: UBC and Ryerson study

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-07/uobc-sti072216.php

Public Release: 26-Jul-2016
Streetcar tracks increase risk of bike crashes: UBC and Ryerson study
University of British Columbia

One-third of bike crashes in Toronto's downtown involved the city's streetcar tracks, according to a new study out of UBC and Ryerson University that suggests that separated bike routes could reduce risk to cyclists.

The findings could help inform planning decisions in cities building or expanding light-rail systems similar to Toronto's streetcar network including Surrey, Hamilton, Ottawa, Seattle and Portland.

"This would be a great time to create separated bike and rail lanes," said Kay Teschke, a professor in UBC's school of population and public health. "Physically separated lanes are a wonderful way for two environmentally-friendly modes of transportation to run safely together."

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