CLEVELAND (WJW) – At Joy Machines on West 25th Street in Cleveland, Bike Cleveland’s 2023 crash report hits close to home.
“We have a front row seat to those issues. Half the time, our customers are coming in here because their wheels are bent up. We work on so many bikes that are hit by cars,” said owner Alex Nosse.
Nosse was struck by a car while cycling in Ohio City over a year ago.
“I was coming through a green light and someone blew through a red light and slammed right into me,” said Nosse.
According to Bike Cleveland, 550 people reported being hit by motor vehicles while biking or walking in the City of Cleveland last year. Of those, 133 were bicyclists, 39 were kids biking, 382 were pedestrians, 40 were kids walking, 13 were wheelchair users and 22 were riding scooters.
“Unfortunately, nine people who were biking and walking also died last year,” said Jenna Thomas with Bike Cleveland.
The organization said the numbers only reinforce the need for enhanced safety measures and infrastructure improvements associated with the city’s ‘Vision Zero’ goals.
“I will say some really exciting progress has been made in terms of federal and state funding for these projects,” said Thomas.
Projects like the Lorain Midway, which includes two miles of protected bikeway on each side of the street from West 20th to West 65th Street.
As well as the Superior Midway project where two miles of bikeway is being proposed down the center of Superior from Public Square to East 55th.
“I’ve been hit three different times on a bicycle,” said Matthew Woodyard.
Meanwhile, people in the cycling community say the report sheds light on the dangers of biking on Cleveland streets.
“We need a little more protection than just a painted line,” said Woodyard.
Find the full report here.
Melissa Reid
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