In Michigan, the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists on the roadways has become a growing concern, with the number of crashes involving these vulnerable road users on the rise. Last year, two dozen bicyclists and 183 pedestrians lost their lives after being struck by vehicles, according to state police data. These numbers are alarming and highlight the need for increased awareness and safety measures to protect all roadway users.
The trend of increasing crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists in Michigan is a cause for concern, especially as these numbers have returned to pre-pandemic levels after three consecutive annual increases. In 2023, the state reported 2,114 vehicle crashes involving pedestrians and 1,480 involving bicyclists, marking an 11% increase in pedestrian-involved crashes and a 10% increase in bicyclist-involved crashes compared to the previous year.
Katie Bower, the director of the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning, expressed her concern over the surge in residents being hit while biking or walking. She emphasized the urgent need for heightened awareness to ensure the safety of all roadway users in the state.
Even in communities like Ann Arbor, which was named a gold level bicycle-friendly community in 2021, there has been a rise in traffic violence. The city reported four serious or fatal bicycle crashes, 12 serious or fatal pedestrian crashes, and one fatal scooter crash in 2023. This increase in crashes, particularly involving pedestrians, led to a „die-in protest“ outside city hall, highlighting the need for improved safety measures.
The decrease in crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists in 2020 during the height of the pandemic was a temporary reprieve, as both crash types have steadily increased annually since then. Last year’s totals were the highest since 2019, indicating a concerning trend that needs to be addressed.
Of the 24 counties with at least 10 pedestrian-involved crashes in 2022, 14 reported more crashes in 2023. The largest percentage increases were seen in Branch, Muskegon, Saginaw, Ottawa, and Macomb counties. Similarly, 16 counties reported year-over-year increases in bicycle-involved crashes, with the largest percentage jumps in St. Clair, Shiawassee, Grand Traverse, Washtenaw, and Berrien counties.
Weekends were found to be the safest days for pedestrians and bicyclists, with the fewest crashes occurring on these days. Wednesdays and Fridays, on the other hand, proved to be the most dangerous. The months with the highest pedestrian-involved crash rates were October and November, while March and July saw the fewest incidents. Bicyclists were most at risk in the summer and early fall.
In terms of bicycle fatalities, it was noted that at least 12 riders were not wearing helmets, while two were wearing one. Nine deaths were reported as „helmet use unknown,“ underscoring the importance of helmet safety for bicyclists.
Overall, the data on crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists in Michigan paints a concerning picture of road safety for these vulnerable road users. Increased awareness, improved infrastructure, and stricter enforcement of traffic laws are essential to address this growing issue and ensure the safety of all individuals on the roadways.