The city of Sandy, Utah, released some surprising statistics today, July 31, 2009. According to the city, accidents involving a pedestrian or bicyclist are up by one-third for Sandy’s fiscal year 2008-2009. The number of accidents actually increased from 33 for a one-year period to 44 accidents. Even though the pedestrian and accident rate has increased for this past year, it is still lower than the year 2005-2006 when there were 54 accidents and in 2006-2007 when there were 50.
Sandy City is seeking to call attention to this increase by holding a special ‘Family Night” on Monday to discuss the increase. Additionally, the city will pass out “Share the Road” stickers. Invited speakers include Sen. Wayne Neiderhauser, R-Sandy and Randy Black of the Utah Dept. of Health.
Bicycle and pedestrian safety is certainly an important issue that city leaders are wise to address. Too often, motorists are only looking out for other cars and are not seeing the smaller bicycle, motorcycle or pedestrian. Motorists need to be aware of all those who use Utah’s roads. Kudos to Sandy for raising the public awareness to share the road.
Ron Kramer is a road cyclist who is also a Utah bicycle and pedestrian accident lawyer with offices in Draper, Utah.