Vulnerable road users (VRUs)—comprising pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists—account for over half of all global road traffic fatalities. Despite a general decline in traffic deaths, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports an alarming rise in VRU fatalities. This upward trend in VRU fatalities in the United States underscores the urgent need for effective safety measures. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 38,824 lives were lost in traffic crashes nationwide in 2020, with a substantial portion being VRUs. New York State reflects this national trend, with VRU-related crashes accounting for more than 24% of all fatal and serious injury crashes from 2017 to 2021. Furthermore, certain communities, particularly American Indians, Black or African Americans, and Hispanic or Latino populations, experience disproportionately high rates of bicyclist and pedestrian deaths.

In response to these concerns, the U.S. Department of Transportation has mandated that states develop Vulnerable Road User Safety Assessments as part of their Highway Safety Improvement Programs (HSIP) in accordance with 23 U.S.C. 148(l). Many states, including New York, have integrated VRU safety into their Strategic Highway Safety Plans. However, despite these efforts, VRU fatalities continue to rise. For instance, Figure 1 illustrates the increasing/or similar trend of fatal and serious injury crashes involving cyclists and pedestrians on New York State roadways, with similar patterns observed nationally. North Carolina, for example, reported a 10-year high in bicyclist fatalities and serious injuries in 2020, diverging from the overall declining trend. Several factors contribute to VRU crashes, including inadequate infrastructure such as the lack of dedicated lanes, sidewalks, and bike paths, which heightens exposure to traffic.

Poor lighting, insufficient signage, and a lack of pedestrian crossings further exacerbate unsafe conditions. Risky behaviors from both VRUs (such as jaywalking or not wearing helmets) and drivers (including speeding and distracted driving) also contribute to accidents. Additionally, cultural norms and a lack of road safety awareness play a role, while insufficient data collection and integration across agencies hinder a comprehensive understanding of VRU safety trends. Socioeconomic disparities further impact access to safe transportation options.

This project will initiate by investigating current state policies and regulations related to VRUs and reviewing existing metrics and interventions. A data scan will be conducted to identify data needs for analyzing factors contributing to VRU crashes. The research will also examine how socioeconomic disparities and underserved communities influence VRU safety. Finally, advanced data analytics will be employed to mathematically identify the risks and factors most significantly contributing to VRU crashes, aiming to inform targeted safety improvements. Additionally, a case study location within New York State will be selected for indepth safety and risk analysis, and potential mitigation approaches will be explored. Near-miss data will be collected at these sites as surrogate safety data to identify proactive measures aligned with the Safe System approach.