Baltimore Ranks 11th for Largest Percentage of Walkers and Bicyclers

In a report issued by the Alliance for Biking and Walking entitled “Bicycling and Walking in the United States: 2012 Benchmarking Report,” Baltimore was ranked 11th out of major U.S. cities for the largest percentage of walkers and bikers, according to The Baltimore Sun. The report looks at commuting by biking and walking in the U.S., how safe those commutes are, and if transportation funding is going towards promoting these alternative means of travel.

The city’s bicycle and pedestrian planner states Baltimore is very “bike-able” with 40 miles of bike lanes and 39 miles of trailers, in addition to 80 miles of side routes designated for bicyclists. As a state, Maryland was ranked 32nd in the percentage of people who walk or bike to work with a total of 84,749 people, or 2.8 percent of all commuters.

The Alliance for Biking and Walking report also ranks the combined pedestrian and cyclist fatality rates for different states and cities. The state of Maryland ranked 39th among U.S. states, and Baltimore ranked 15th among U.S. cities. Overall, the largest 51 cities in the nation saw an average 29 percent increase in bicycle fatalities since the group began releasing the report in 2010. It is hoped this number will change if the currently planned 7,079 miles of pedestrian facilities and 20,908 miles of bike facilities across the country are funded. The report estimates that 12 percent of trips in the U.S. are taken by bike or on foot, and 14 percent of those involved in fatal traffic accidents are bicyclists and pedestrians.

These worrisome statistics show the need for motorists to share the road with those traveling on two wheels or two feet, and to be cautious and aware at all times to prevent a dangerous accident. As the data shows, however, fatal accidents involving bicyclists and pedestrians have been on the rise, so it is a very real possibility those using alternative means of transportation may be involved in a serious collision. Any Maryland resident involved in a bike or pedestrian accident should call the skilled Maryland personal injury lawyers with the law firm of Alpert Schreyer. We are dedicated to helping injury victims get compensation they need in order to recover from their injuries. Call (800) 489-1577 for a free case review.