How does Bike Infrastructure Affect Cycling Safety in the Chinatown-International District
A protected bike lane is a significant element in sustainable transportation that combines the user experience of a multi-use trail with a conventional bike lane, and uses a variety of methods for protecting cyclists physically from passing traffic. However, a disconnected network of protected bike lanes from downtown Seattle to the Chinatown-International District through Pioneer Square will leave cyclists in a vulnerable situation if an automobile-involved crash takes place. The purpose of this study was to use the survey results to provide implications on improving bike infrastructures in the Chinatown-International District and creating public education, encouragement, and enforcement programs. To accomplish this task, I utilized public databases to find correlations between bike infrastructure and bike collision incidents in Seattle, conducted online literature research with an emphasis on successful bike infrastructure installations, and administered in-person surveys around the Chinatown-International District to ask 80 participants about their views on the impact of bike infrastructure on cycling safety. My results indicate that building a connected network of protected bike lanes encourages more people to bike, and providing all ages and abilities bike infrastructure in parts of the city with lower car ownership will offer better transportation choices for individuals.