Originally Posted by PeddlePhile

John,

Commendable effort...however, I did do a search.

I think studies are usually created when "documentation" is needed to prove a point one way or the other. The current Administration can produce volumes on the benefits of ALL policies enacted since 2008 by the current Administration. Do you believe all of them?

I also think that most sidewalk accidents are caused by people trying to treat the sidewalk as a roadway. There are people who are dangerous whether they are on foot or behind the wheel.
You see them every day.

Also, as stated, it depends a lot on where you ride. One set of experiences does not fit all. Your area may be safer than many others and hence your beliefs....and vice versa.

Finally, and this is paramount, Your study is so dated it really shouldn't be relied on any longer. ( I got a laugh out of the date of the study) :-) C'mon. Is that the best you have?

Back when that study was done texting was just getting started and some folks were still using pagers. This is what I mean about studies...they are rarely worth the paper they are written on and opposing studies are usually just as accurate....or inaccurate. I tend to find the National Transportation Safety Board studies a bit more reliable. Show me one from them less than 3 years old and I'll reconsider ;-)

The nation as a whole has changed dramatically in the last 10 -11 years. Find an up to date study from a reliable source and perhaps it will be more believable.

So, yes, you have provided me with evidence that I am probably more correct that I thought I was as your evidence is no longer relevant and it suggests that the few involved in sidewalk accidents were likely to be irresponsible types no matter where they were...and their unfortunate victims of course.

Can you find some useful, current data? Thanks for doing research just the same.

So, it appears that if you discount the people who ride sidewalks recklessly (probably because they are simply not responsible and respectful of others), then it still seems sidewalks
are much safer than the roads after all. On or off the road, there will always be dangerous drivers and riders. The stories you read of accidents are often evidence of natural selection doing it's job. Personally, if I couldn't avoid one of these types, I would MUCH rather be hit by their bicycle than their 5000lb Dodge Ram Hemi Pick-up (although I like those trucks). Who could argue that ?

Cheers !