Massachusetts Tackles Rising Bicycle-Vehicle Collisions

Massachusetts averages between five and 10 fatal bicycle-motor vehicle collisions annually.

As more people turn to two-wheel transportation for a myriad of reasons such as gas prices, traffic congestion, or just the desire to get some exercise, those numbers will likely rise.

With the increase of cyclists on the road sharing space with motor vehicles, the Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is working to reduce collisions, particularly in urban areas where the issue is more severe.

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Understanding the Danger Zones: Intersections and Peak Hours

State studies indicate nearly one-third of fatal or serious bike crashes happen at intersections. Bicycle-involved crashes have historically involved men during warmer months and between the hours of 12 pm and 6 pm.

New Massachusetts Drivers Are Being Taught To Share The Road With Cyclists — Getty Images

What's Inside the New MassDOT Driver Education Resources?

To that end, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and the Registry have announced new "driver education classroom resources" to help prepare future drivers to "safely share the road" with people bicycling.

The RMV says, "The new resources give driver education instructors practical, up-to-date tools for teaching safe driving behaviors around bicyclists."

The resources, including "instructional videos, presentation slides, lesson plans, discussion prompts, and one-page reference materials," were developed in partnership with MassBike and LiveableStreets Alliance with funding from the National Safety Council.

"As the popularity of bicycling increases across Massachusetts, including the use of e-bikes and other micromobility devices, we are taking steps with our partners to provide enhanced support materials about how to safely share the road," Registrar of Motor Vehicles Colleen Ogilvie said.

The RMV provides resources free of charge to driver education instructors, schools, and training programs throughout Massachusetts by visiting www.massbike.org.

Accessing the Tools and Tracking Roadway Safety Statewide

MassDOT operates an online portal to track collisions, including pedestrian, motor vehicle, and cycle crashes.

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