Majority of deaths on NYC roads are pedestrians and cyclists

Adirondack Almanack blog had a good essay on 'The Dangers of Americade.'

Anyone who lives in a tourist area knows that embracing tourism is like making a deal with the devil. Residents of Lake George, where Americade is held, often complain about the four scourges tourists bring with them: noise, traffic, garbage and general rudeness and self-absorption. But residents never complain about the money (and thus jobs) generated. A deal with the devil indeed!

Almanack's focus was on the physical dangers faced by motorcycles in the car-centric culture. He scolds Americade's organizers for burying their head in the sand to this problem by focusing more on the family-friendly aspect of the rally. Almanack writes:

The promoters of Americade need to be reminded that it isn't the rebellious who are the danger at Americade. The danger is that Americaders, and others, have to share our common roadways with highway hogs.

Americade's promoters and participants have the perfect opportunity to engage us in serious ideas about sharing the roadway with people using other forms of transportation - bikes, cars, trains, buses, and feet.

Almanack cites a very astonishing and disturbing fact. Not only does New York City have the highest number of pedestrian and (bi)cyclist deaths in the entire nation. But on roads suffocated by automobiles, [p]edestrian and cyclist deaths make up a majority of traffic deaths.

I don't own a car. While I sometimes use public transportation in the winter, biking and walking is pretty much how I get around. I've dodged many an idiot driver who was distracted by yacking on their cellphone or by opening their car door without even taking a glance. Frankly, I've always thought it was amazing that I've never been injured while biking. When I read disturbing stats like this, even in a far away place like New York City, I think it's a miracle.

And then I think of the odds and the future and suddenly the glee wears off.

We need a more sane transportation system in this country. I recognize that cars will be the primary form of transportation for the foreseable future, at least oil starts running out. But planning authorities and governments must stop being so overtly hostile to people who want to use alternative forms of transportation.

I don't want to ban cars. I just don't want to risk life and limb biking down (US) Route 9. I just want sidewalks to walk on (this means you Queensbury, NY). People will use these saner alternatives if it's feasible and safe to do so. They just need a little cooperation from the powers that be.


Recommended reading:

-Transportation Alternatives: 'Advocate for cycling, walking and environmentally sensible transportation.' New York City-based but still worth checking out.

-League of American Bicyclists.

-James Howard Kunstler: Author of 'The Geography of Nowhere.'