Examining bicyclist safety inequities across neighborhoods of different income levels in Florida

Abstract

Bicyclist crashes have increased in recent years. While previous studies have found that crashes involving bicyclists have disproportionately happened in lower-income neighborhoods, there is a limited understanding of the risk factors and how they affect the safety of bicyclists in neighborhoods of different income levels. This study examines this gap by investigating the risk factors contributing to bicyclist crashes in Florida from 2014 to 2019 at the census block group level and exploring the safety-in-numbers phenomenon, using Poisson lognormal spatial regression models. These factors include bicyclist exposure, roadway characteristics, intersection-related factors, land use features, and socioeconomic status. The results reveal that lower-income neighborhoods experience more bicyclist crashes, with distinct risk factors compared to higher-income areas. More specifically, in lower-income neighborhoods, a higher number of signalized intersections and mixed land use are associated with increased fatal and serious injury crashes, while urban areas and larger elderly populations contribute to overall crash risks. In higher-income neighborhoods, stop-sign controlled intersections, and a larger Black population are associated with more bicyclist crashes. Additionally, the safety-in-numbers effect is observed for fatal and injury bicyclist crashes in lower-income neighborhoods, meaning that the presence of more bicyclists is associated with a reduction in fatal and serious injury crashes in such neighborhoods. These findings highlight the need for targeted safety interventions, such as improving intersections, addressing roadway design, and implementing safety strategies tailored to neighborhood income levels. By aligning safety interventions with neighborhood-specific risk factors, transportation agencies can more effectively prioritize resources and create safer cycling for all communities.