More Cyclists Means Safer Streets

Montréal and Toronto are expanding their bike infrastructure, giving reporter Michelle Lalonde a reason to look and see if the investment will pay off. Reports are that expanding bike lanes and traffic calming works:

"The studies are showing that the more cyclists there are on the street, the safer they are,” said Dr. Patrick Morency, a public health and safety specialist with Montreal’s public health department.He said more traffic-calming and safe bike routes will attract more cyclists, and the greater visibility of cyclists in turn will slow traffic.

“We don’t know whether drivers adapt their driving or whether the cycling infrastructure itself is making cyclists safer, but we do know that concerns about safety is the key factor people give for not cycling, and that improving safety facilities (like bike paths) increases the numbers of people cycling.”