July 24, 2013
The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) reports there were a total of 96 Grand Rapids Bicycle Accidents and 194 such collisions in Kent County in 2011. Seventy-seven percent of those crashes resulted in a cyclist being injured or killed.
In an effort to decrease the number of bicycle accidents in Grand Rapids, officials accepted a $485,321 grant from the state to be used to improve bicycle safety in the region. According to an article from M Live, the programs that will be funded by the grant are being examined for implementation across the state if they are successful.
One of the main focuses of the campaign will be effectively educating the public on the importance of motorists and cyclists sharing the road. Researchers say they are looking at different forms of media that will spread their message of a culture focused on cycling safety. Training courses and awareness rallies are also an option under consideration.
The project will be evaluated to determine if it was effective and if it can be replicated in other areas of the state with high numbers of bicycle accidents.
The Michigan Personal Injury Lawyers with Michigan Injury Lawyers applaud the efforts being made to improve bicycle safety in Michigan. The firm hopes the program is a success and can be brought to other areas of the state as well.