Bixi: has it caused more accidents, or not?
Slightly confusing article starts with claims that Bixi has meant more bicycle accidents because users are casual and seldom wear helmets, then finishes by doubting the theory saying nobody has stats on whether bike accidents involved Bixi bikes or not.
In the Journal, they’re saying cyclists take too many risks and don’t wear helmets enough although this last piece also goes some way to contradicting itself by finding an expert who points out that a helmet can only do so much.
JB 09:53 on 2011/07/29 Permalink
Very odd story in La Presse. Anecdote aside (esp. considering the issue is the lack of helmets, and the cyclist’s injuries were not to her head), the little data that exists suggests no increase in accidents despite the introduction of Bixi, which would have increased the number of cyclists considerably. A more appropriate conclusion would be that the presence of Bixi has actually reduced the rate of cycling accidents, which makes sense – more cyclists, especially more cyclists who cycle relatively slowly, make the road safer for other cyclists. Critical mass isn’t just about respect for cyclists, it’s about adapting the traffic culture to make biking in the city safer.
ant6n 10:37 on 2011/07/29 Permalink
Bigger than the issue of helmets, and almost never discussed, is the issue of lights. At least everyone who uses bixi has lights. Many other cyclists travel at night without active lights, which is dangerous. I’d say it’s more dangerous than cycling without a helmet.
qatzelok 13:54 on 2011/07/29 Permalink
Yes, ant6n. Cycling is just sooo dangerous. It’s amazing that any of us survived our tricycle years.
Kate 14:40 on 2011/07/29 Permalink
It’s a menace! I hadn’t seen the front page of the Journal till I happened to stop by the dep just now:
The black rectangle over the face is a touch of genius.
ant6n 15:48 on 2011/07/29 Permalink
Cycling in the dark without lights is dangerous, sarcasm won’t help you.
Kate 23:17 on 2011/07/29 Permalink
This piece from CJAD makes it clear there is no news story here. There hasn’t been a sudden surge of Bixi accidents. It’s not news, and it’s not science, even if a doctor says he “suspects” there’s some correlation between head injuries and Bixi. Collect some data and then get back to us.