With the new school year just underway, and many children walking or using bikes to get there, it’s a great time to review some of the important safety information that SEMCOG has been incorporating into its regional plans and public safety messages.
Some important data to consider:
- While 67% of Southeast Michigan residents report feeling safe while traveling in a car, only 39% feel safe when walking and 24% feel safe when biking.
- Each year, about 40% of all fatalities involve a pedestrian, bicyclist, or motorcyclist.
- Pedestrian and bicyclist-involved crashes in the region accounted for less than two percent of total crashes, but 28 percent of all traffic fatalities.
- From 2012-2016, $224M has been invested in traffic safety improvement projects in Southeast Michigan.
- SEMCOG has distributed more than 30,000 bike lights, LED armbands, wristbands, and informational pamphlets through its Walk.Bike.Drive Safe campaign so far.
Through SEMCOG’s Southeast Michigan Traffic Safety Plan, and Pedestrian and Bicycle Travel Plan for Southeast Michigan, there is an ongoing commitment to reduce risks in the transportation system. This comprehensive, data-driven approach includes identifying high-risk hot spots and eliminating existing gaps between facilities for cyclists and pedestrians. If you haven’t already checked it out, view our Pedestrian/Bicycle implementation video:
SEMCOG is currently developing the 2045 Regional Transportation Plan for Southeast Michigan for adoption next year. For this update, SEMCOG is incorporating the approaches laid out in the traffic safety and pedestrian and bicycle travel plans to:
- Increase safety for all travelers,
- Measure transportation system performance to facilitate strategic investment in safety and facilities for cyclists and pedestrians,
- Improve access to jobs and core services, and
- Educate and collaborate with all road users to promote safe travel behavior.
Next month, our Walk.Bike.Drive Safe safety campaign will promote safe habits for all who bike, drive, and walk.
A two-week media blitz – look for freeway advertising, public service announcements, videos, and more – will focus on these key messages:
- Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Distractions are deadly. Just drive (walk or bike)
- Watch for bikes and pedestrians everywhere, and especially when turning.
- Bicyclists and pedestrians need to be visible. Use lights and reflectors.
We have many partners in this effort, including AAA and our member local governments. And we invite everyone else to help us send these important safety messages. Check everything out here!
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