Independent Report Finds Boston Bicyclists Not Even Safe From Motorists In Designated Bike Lane

In an independent report researchers who studied 100 accidents from 2009 through 2012  involving bicyclists and motor vehicles on a particularly busy stretch of Commonwealth Avenue between Brighton Avenue and Boston University found that the majority of the accidents were caused by motorists cutting off bicyclists while making a turn at intersections (a total of 27) or by motorists “dooring” cyclists by swinging open car doors in the path of cyclists (a total of 24) all while the cyclists were riding in the designated bike lane.  Other causes of accidents included motorists pulling out of a parked space without signaling (a total of 9) and overtaking by motorists (a total of 4).  Two were caused by motorists intentionally striking a bicyclist.