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Publication Date

3-22-2024

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Presentation: 4:35

Poster attached as supplemental file below

Abstract

Cyclists compared to other road users are at an increased risk of traffic injuries due to being less protected from the impact of a collision. With Philadelphia having a high traffic of bicyclist users, road designs should allow cyclists to be perceived as an integral part of the traffic system. Vision Zero sought to improve biking infrastructure in the city by creating new bike lanes upon its launching in November 2016. Since the launch of this project, there had not been any studies conducted to assess whether it had resulted in a reduction of biking injuries, hence this capstone aimed to address this gap by conducting a Vision Zero efficacy assessment. The two aims of this study were to determine if there was a significant reduction in bicycle injuries from pre to post Vision Zero, and compare the risks associated with injuries. A geographic information system using 2 choropleth maps of 8 zip codes, followed by gathering inferential statistics and descriptive statistics from SAS and SPSS were used for this study. Data was collected from the Jefferson trauma registry. Of the 8 zip codes, only 19147 saw a significant reduction in bicycle injuries. The p-value from the paired sample t-test was 0.625, showing no evidence of a reduction in bicycle injuries. Risk factors found among injured cyclists were lack of helmet usage, intoxication, and nighttime riding. What this study demonstrated was that Vision Zero should consider making better biking lanes for safer cycling while educating cyclists on safer riding habits.

Lay Summary

Cyclists compared to other road users are at an increased risk of traffic injuries due to being less protected from the impact of a collision. With Philadelphia having a high traffic of bicyclist users, road designs should allow cyclists to feel like they are part of the traffic system. Vision Zero, a multinational traffic project for eliminating traffic related deaths, sought to improve bicycle riding in the city by creating new bike lanes upon its launching in November 2016. Since the launch of this project, there had not been any studies conducted to assess whether it had resulted in a reduction of biking injuries, hence this capstone aimed to address this by examining Vision Zero’s progress. The two aims of this study were to determine if there was a significant reduction in bicycle injuries from before to after Vision Zero, and compare the risks associated with injuries. To get results for this study, computer software used to analyze geographic data was used to create 2 maps both containing 8 of the same zip codes for comparison. This was followed by a test using computer software to determine if Vision Zero’s work made significant progress towards reducing bicycle injuries. Information about demographics and risks associated with bicycle injuries was obtained using computer software as well. Data was collected from the trauma department at Jefferson hospital. Of the 8 zip codes, only 19147 saw a significant reduction in bicycle injuries. The test from the software showed no evidence of a reduction in bicycle injuries. Risk factors found among injured cyclists were lack of helmet usage, riding while under the influence of drugs, and nighttime riding. What this study demonstrated was that Vision Zero should consider making better biking lanes for safer cycling while educating cyclists on safer riding habits.

Additional Files
2024_Olojo-Kosoko_Tito_poster.pptx (1459 kB)

Language

English

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