CHICAGO, July 31, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — The first self-reported Chicago bicycle accident map will collect data about cyclists' encounters with careless and reckless driving. This interactive map will allow users to report, not only bicycle accidents and doorings, but close calls or near misses as well, all in real time. Additionally, by reporting the type of collision, weather, lighting and surface conditions during the accident or close-to accident, we will be able to have more data about bicycle accidents, when they occur, where they occur, and how to prevent them. The most important improvement over past maps is that close call or near miss data can also be reported and shared among cyclists, and while technically not an accident, this data may be the most valuable as it occurs in the highest frequency and often can help with future design plans and infrastructure updates. As more accidents and near misses get reported, the heat map will provide visual representation to identify the areas with the largest number of incidents, and maps can be created specifically for a particular type of accident. You can access the map here and conduct your own search, if you're a cyclist please share your most troublesome intersection or address for near misses. Visit: http://www.willenslaw.com/report-your-accident
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130731/PH56009)
The cyclists of Chicago will be able to use this interactive map to help identify "hot spots." These are areas of the city that are particularly dangerous for cyclists. The data will bring attention to problem areas and arm cyclists and community organizations with information to advocate for safer roads, which, in turn, will increase roadway modifications and/or targeted enforcement of the law. Extended use of the map will help keep the streets of Chicago safer for everyone – cyclists, motorists and pedestrians alike, helping to plan safer routes for riding. Knowledge is power when it comes to choosing the safest routes while bicycling in the city of Chicago. Attorney Matthew Willens of Willens Law Offices in Chicago had this to say "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. My hope is that, with the use of this map, bicycle accidents will decrease as the popularity of informed cycling increases."
Willens Law Offices was recently featured in the Chicago Tribune for the initiative to provide ghost bike racks in memory of deceased bicyclists. The firm plans to donate a ghost bike rack for each cyclist who falls victim to a fatal bicycle-motorist accident in the City of Chicago and contacts the firm. The racks would NOT replace ghost bikes, but would increase the number of public bike racks and would hopefully help maintain the memory of the past cyclist by its permanent nature and utility allowing cyclists to lock up their bikes, as well as a serve as a reminder to be aware of the cyclists on the road.
30 North La Salle Street #3450
Chicago, IL 60602
Media Contact:
Matthew Willens
Phone: 312-957-4166