#Brum

I’m interested in creating a map similar to ones that are made in the US which pinpoints potential hazards for cyclists. So far this Birmingham Cyclist Map has marked cycle journeys and will add any potential hazards I spot with a pink pin. I will also be adding any road information about potholes from Fix My Street.

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I’m investigating how safe Birmingham is for cyclists. Part of this involves mapping the city, using data to locate fatal collisions but also encouraging other bike riders to record near misses and smaller safety concerns.

I’ve also been tracking my own cycle journeys recording my hazards. Because of the winter weather, I had to ride an old bicycle which I’ve christened ‘snow bike’ Read the rest of this entry »

Popularity: 17% [?]

I decided it was about time to get out there and start tracking my own cycle routes. On the map below you can see my latest track. Click on the Recent Tracks tab and you can scroll through all my journeys as I wheel about, gathering cycle interviews and other usual daily Hashbrum business. The Play button on this widget is the most fun.

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I’ve been running this investigation since November so to save you reading through the comments section and Help Me Investigate page here’s an update.

Mapping Birmingham
A local news search of fatality locations has only been successful on recent accidents so I’ve sent off another Freedom Of Information request.

Data released by the government recorded UK wide accidents involving pedal cycles. I’ve converted from OSGR grid references to Long/Lat readings but so far I’ve not found a way of putting such a large amount of data (16,000 per year) onto a map. If you know a map site that can handle this (Dave Harte pointed out that Times Online have managed it) then please comment below. I’m also interested in just pulling pinpoints for just Birmingham.

I’ve added the terrible accident which took place before Christmas and the accident that took place on New Year’s Day and with your help we can keep this map up-to-date. However, I want to highlight dangerous areas that a cyclist should be aware rather than just a crash map.

Encouragingly, similar investigations are taking place in both New York and Cardiff but I don’t want this investigation to end with this map.

Pedalling Some More
I want to go further than just stats. Over the next few weeks I will be filming my own cycle exploits and finding out what cycling Birmingham is like by talking to other cyclists and organisations. If you have anything to add about cycling in Birmingham then please comment or contact.

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Since summer I’ve cycled as often as I can around Birmingham. I genuinely love it, but a few close scrapes have led me to looking into how safe Birmingham is for bicyclists.

I recently requested statistics for fatal road accidents involving bikes over the last three years in the West Midlands. I need you to find any newspapers online or access any record statistics you can find that match up with those listed below.

When you find a matching collision, can you either post the link in the comments box below, or pinpoint the crash on the Birmingham Cyclist Map.

Add pinpoints or view Birmingham Cyclist Map in a larger map

Serious Road Collisions
1. Oct 2006 310 Cyclist entering Road from Pavement age 32
2. Nov 2006 310 Cyclist entering Road from Pavement age 71
3. Mar 2007 405 Driver/Rider failed to look properly age 59
4. Apr 2007 302 Driver/Rider disobeyed give way or stop sign age 14
5. Feb 2009 602 Driver/Rider careless or in a hurry age 81
6. Apr 2009 309 Driver rider travelling along pavement age 42
7. June 2009 310 Cyclist entering road from pavement age 13 (Found)
8. Sept 2009 310 Cyclist entering road from pavement age 15 (Found)
9. 11 Dec 2009 Driver/Ride failed to look properly? age 63 (Found)
10. 31 Dec 2009 Cyclist 79. Collision with Silver Rover car 10am. (Found) (‘serious condition’)

If you have more crashes or danger spots to add please put them on the map or put a link in the comment section below. If you want to report a collision you’ve been involved with, want to report it and get legal advice click on the SMIDSY (Sorry Mate I Didn’t See You) logo.

Thanks to all of you who have contributed to this feature so far check out the progress report here.

Popularity: 38% [?]