Bicycling is a popular mode of transportation across New York state, especially in urban areas. However, it can also be dangerous if proper safety measures are not taken. 

“When cycling, it's really important to keep yourself safe,” said Albany Bicycle Coalition's president, Ed Brennan. “We try to teach people to stay on the right side of the road, ride in the middle, and ride on the sidewalk so that people can see you.” 

Brennan advocates for bike and pedestrian safety. 

The state has taken several measures to improve safety, including installing bike lanes and encouraging helmet wear. 

Despite collisions decreasing, Brennan says fatalities and serious injuries have increased.

“Fatalities and serious injuries are increasing only due to larger vehicles, the mass of the cars and the speed at which people are traveling,” he said. 

Brennan supports Vision Zero, a goal to eliminate traffic fatalities at all speeds. Just lowering speed limits by five mph aims to impact bike and foot travelers. 

“It is estimated that if you hit a pedestrian or a cyclist at 25 miles an hour, you will kill or seriously injure a person by 25%," he said.

In addition to that stat, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety noted that the risk of serious injury or death rises to 50% for vehicles driving at 33 mph and 75% at 41 mph. This is a feeling Brennan knows too well, after being hit by a car a few summers ago. 

"As I came down Washington Park Road, I rode straight through this intersection, and a fellow came along and took a left-hand turn right here,” Brennan said. “And I could see through the windshield of his car that he wasn't looking where he was driving.”

In July 2022, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation requiring newly licensed drivers to learn about pedestrian and bicyclist safety awareness. A component of the pre-licensing exam and a prerequisite for a motor vehicle license. Those who are considering purchasing a bike express concerns about increased safety measures.

“A lot of people don't want to chance it on the street and we can't blame them for that,” he said. “But we would like to encourage folks to use the street. This is because the more of us on the streets, the safer it is for us all. But people are afraid. Many people have had negative experiences.”

“Outdoor transportation will now include e-bikes, which will be added to the Capital District Transportation Authority fleet this summer,” said Lindsey Bradt, emerging mobility manager at CDTA. “There are currently 200 bikes on order. They're being built and shipped here as we speak, in addition to our close to 400 pedal bikes in our fleet.” 

With the increase in their fleet, Bradt says the CDTA projects north of 80,000 riders this year. Safety is at the top of the organization's list. 

“Bikes must be ridden on the road,” Bradt said. “According to the law, they’re not allowed on sidewalks and must follow all traffic laws as a regular motor vehicle does. So we're constantly preaching about how to ride a bike safely.”

To learn more about bicycle safety visit the New York State Department of Transportation website at Dot.NY.Gov.