In response to the recent string of bicyclist fatalities in the Twin Cities, there have been a number of articles about the dangers of bicycling.

But according to research gathered by St. Paul non-profit Transit for Livable Communities the safest thing is to get more bicycles on the road. "As more people ride bicycles on our streets, they're actually less likely to be injured in traffic accidents," says Steve Clark, Bicycling and Walking Program Manager at Transit for Livable Communities. "Overall, when motorists see more cyclists and pedestrians, they adjust their driving behaviors."

With a higher number of bicycling deaths this season, many are questioning whether cars and bicycles can safely co-exist on city streets. Research confirms that as cycling participation increases, a cyclist is far less likely to collide with a motor vehicle or suffer injury and death. It's not simply because there are fewer cars on the roads, but because motorists drive more safely when they see more cyclists around.

Source: Transit for Livable Communities

Read more:
For bicyclists, there is safety in numbers
September 9, 2008, treehugger.com

Get inspired: Make time to watch this hour-long video on how European cities shifted to more bicycle and pedestrian friendly environments.