Bicycle Crash Analysis for Wisconsin Using a Crash Typing Tool (PBCAT) and Geographic Information System (GIS)

Successful efforts have been made over the past three decades in Wisconsin to reduce the number of crashes and fatalities related to bicycle-vehicle crashes. However, a more complete understanding of these crashes was necessary in order to continue to decrease the number of serious and fatal crashes. This comprehensive crash analysis takes the first and most important step of "typing" bike-motor vehicle crashes for 2003. This report goes on to analyze these crashes in more depth and identifies commonalities between these crashes and crash characteristics, specifically related to traffic conditions, roadway attributes, and the users involved in the crashes. The approach used in conducting the report included the use of the Pedestrian and Bicycle Crash Analysis Tool (PBCAT, version 2.0b) and a geographic information system (GIS). PBCAT was considered effective and constructive. However, each crash record's diagram had to be evaluated by viewing it on microfiche which elongated the evaluation process. The GIS process was also found to be a worthwhile and an essential step. By pinpointing and geocoding the location of crashes, other data files having these reference points, could be cross-referenced. A methodology that explains this process was developed as part of this study and is available in the form of a mini-manual. The report and analysis found that the largest concentration of bike-motorist crashes occurred at intersections on urban arterial streets―94% of them were reported in urban areas while 66% occurred at intersections. Rural crashes represented only 6% of all crashes in the state, but almost 80% were on roads with 55 mph posted speeds. The fatal crash rate based on bicycle miles traveled was almost twice as high in rural areas as in urban areas. Four out of the top five crash types indicated that the motorist made the critical error. Nearly 65% of the top 10 crash types indicated motorist error as the primary error. The detailed analysis of roadway characteristics pointed to low crash rates (based on volume of traffic) for both the local road and state highway systems in rural areas. The wider the travel lanes the lower the crash rate for local rural roads and state highways. Crash rates were the lowest on state highways with five foot paved shoulders compared to all other two-lane highways. Finally, crashes related to sidewalks, paths and crosswalks adjacent to streets accounted for a surprising 28% of all of the state's crashes. Motorist driving out from both sign an signal-controlled intersections were by far the most common crash types in this group.

• Record URL:
  http://wisdotresearch.wi.gov/wp-content/uploads/05-18bicycle-f.pdf
• 
• Corporate Authors:

  Wisconsin Department of Transportation

  Division of Transportation Investment Management
  4802 Sheboygan Avenue
  Madison, WI  United States  53707

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • Amsden, Michael
  • Huber, Tom
• Publication Date: 2006-6-30

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Print
• Edition: Final Report
• Features: Appendices; Figures; Maps; Tables;
• Pagination: 77p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Arterial highways; Bicycle crashes; Crash analysis; Crash rates; Crashes; Crosswalks; Driver errors; Fatalities; Geographic information systems; Intersections; Paved shoulders; Rural highways; Sidewalks; Signalized intersections; Speed; State highways
• Identifier Terms: Pedestrian and Bicycle Crash Analysis Tool (PBCAT)
• Uncontrolled Terms: Crash typing analysis
• Geographic Terms: Wisconsin
• Subject Areas: Highways; Safety and Human Factors; I80: Accident Studies;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01036749
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 0092-05-18
• Files: TRIS, USDOT, STATEDOT
• Created Date: Nov 8 2006 4:57PM