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Safety Measures for Cyclists and Pedestrians Around Heavy Vehicles

Author(s): Boase, Italiano, Florcke, Sow

Slidedeck Presentation:

2C_Boase

Abstract:

Background/Context: Despite evolving technologies and infrastructure changes, heavy vehicles continue to pose a safety risk to vulnerable road users (VRUs). Consequently, in September 2016, a commitment to examine potential countermeasures to help protect the safety of cyclists and pedestrians was made during a Council of Ministers of Transportation and Highway Safety meeting.

While statistics do not indicate a large number of collisions between VRUs and heavy vehicles, the data do not show a reduction in these numbers from one year to the next. Although more jurisdictions promote complete transportation systems designed for all roads, there continues to be an increase
in the number of users, including cyclists and pedestrians taking to the streets in all seasons thereby increasing the number of VRUs and additional conflicts with heavy vehicles. With this in mind, potential solutions are being examined in an attempt to address the increase in the number of conflicts and the resulting fatalities and injuries.

Aims/Objectives: This report addresses current and potential countermeasures that may reduce conflicts and the resulting fatalities and injuries among vulnerable road users (VRUs) (i.e.,pedestrians and bicyclists) struck by heavy vehicles, including buses in urban areas. Urban rather than rural areas are the focus because statistically, the majority of VRU collisions with heavy vehicles take place within cities.

This report does not make any recommendations or favour one approach over another but rather develop a reference tool for interested stakeholders.

Methods/Targets: Different levels of governments and other industry and community stakeholders to provide descriptions of possible countermeasures as well as considerations for implementation.

Results/Activities: To encourage a collaborative and inclusive approach, Transport Canada and Alberta Transportation, working with the other provinces and territories, developed a project outline and invited a variety of representatives and stakeholders to participate. A Steering Committee was formed to oversee project management and an Advisory Panel provided expert advice related to the trucking, cycling and pedestrian communities. A literature search was completed and existing countermeasures were identified. Subsequent regional round tables and a web based public consultation were used to give Canadians a voice on the issue.

Discussion/Deliverables: A summary reported entitled Safety Measures for Cyclists and Pedestrians Around Heavy Vehicles was produced and distributed. The report identifies important safety strategies as well as 57 possible countermeasures involving infrastructure and vehicle design as well as education and public awareness.