Pedestrian and Bicyclist Safety: A Review of Key Program and Countermeasure Developments During the 1980’s

Stutts, Jane C.; Hunter, William W.; Tracy, Linda; Wilkinson, William C., III · 1992 · ROSA P / United States. Department of Transportation. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

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Summary

This report reviews key program and countermeasure developments in pedestrian and bicyclist safety during the 1980s, addressing the significant safety risks faced by non-occupant crash victims. At the time of publication, approximately 6,500 pedestrians and 850 bicyclists were killed annually in motor vehicle crashes, with over 110,000 pedestrians and 75,000 bicyclists injured. These fatalities comprised 16 percent of all motor vehicle deaths nationally and up to half in some urban areas. The study was motivated by a shift in federal priorities; while pedestrian and bicycle safety were priorities in the 1970s, federal support diminished during the 1980s as focus shifted to alcohol and seat belt initiatives. The report aims to document the activities that filled this void and to support renewed federal commitment emerging in the early 1990s. The authors conducted a comprehensive review of literature, federal and state records, and interviews with professionals across government and private sectors. The analysis covers the period from 1982 to 1989, with some pre-1982 context and early 1990s developments included for continuity. The findings are organized by three primary countermeasure categories—education, engineering, and enforcement/regulation—and further divided by national, state, and local levels of activity. The report distinguishes between pedestrian and bicyclist safety, noting that while both groups face similar risks, the development of safety solutions followed divergent paths. The review found that pedestrian safety activities were primarily led by the Federal Government through a "top-down" approach. Key national efforts included the development of comprehensive program guides like "Walk Alert" and targeted educational materials for children and the elderly. Engineering research focused on signalization and crosswalk safety, while enforcement efforts saw the adoption of stricter laws requiring motorists to stop for pedestrians in certain states. In contrast, bicyclist safety initiatives were largely "grass roots," driven by non-governmental organizations such as the Bicycle Federation of America and the National Safe Kids Campaign. A major development in bicycle safety was the promotion of helmet use, supported by new industry standards and effective campaigns like the Washington State Children’s Bicycle Helmet campaign. Engineering developments for cyclists included updated design guidelines from AASHTO and the FHWA, though significant facility construction remained limited to specific states and cities. The significance of this report lies in its documentation of the diverse network of organizations and individuals working to improve non-motorized safety during a decade of reduced federal oversight. It highlights the effectiveness of both federal-led comprehensive programs for pedestrians and community-driven initiatives for bicyclists. The findings underscore the need for continued coordination between federal agencies and local implementers to sustain and expand these safety efforts. By identifying successful countermeasures and trends, the report provides a foundation for future policy and program development, supporting the legislative momentum seen in the early 1990s, such as the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act.

Key finding

Pedestrian safety activities were primarily initiated by the federal government, whereas bicyclist safety activities were led by national non-governmental organizations and grassroots local efforts.

Methodology

review

Provenance

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Topics

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• cyclist safety

Information type

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• Applied Guidance: countermeasure evaluation