Bicycling deaths drop, safety urged

By CORTNEY ERNDT
Capital News Service
LANSING – The number of Michigan’s bicyclist deaths dropped 17 percent between 2011 and last year. Meanwhile, cycling groups continue to advocate more safety measures. Fatalities are down from 24 in 2011 to 20 in 2012, according to the Office of Highway Safety Planning. One fatal bicycling crash occurred in Holland and four in Grand Rapids between 2004 and 2011, Department of Transportation’s (MDOT) bicycle and pedestrian coordinator, Josh DeBruyn said. Overall, 788 crashes involving bicyclists were reported between 2004 and 2011 in Ottawa and Allegan counties, and 1,487 crashes in Kent County.