Vulnerable Road Users and Occupants

Home/Research/Expertise/Vulnerable Road Users and Occupants
A pedestrian crossing the street in Ann Arbor
A pedestrian crosses the street at Plymouth Road and Bishop in Ann Arbor on Friday evening. Joseph Tobianski I AnnArbor.com
A dad and son go for a walk during COVID-19
Beau Banks, 7, and Brian Banks go for a walk in replacement of Beau’s recesses during the COVID-19 pandemic Wednesday April, 8, 2020 in Ypsilanti. Nicole Hester/Mlive.com
People in wheelchairs on a bus
Two young children on scooters in Ann Arbor
Protecting vulnerable road users. ide their scooters around the Old West Side in Ann Arbor on Friday, March 20, 2020. Ann Arbor mayor Christopher Taylor encouraged residents to stay home when they can while also giving the okay to exercise outside. Jenna Kieser

93% percent of the worlds fatalities on the roads occur in low and middle-income countries. In high-income countries like the U.S., people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are more likely to be involved in crashes. Social inequity in transportation systems has a disproportionate impact on historically underserved communities, rural communities and their residents.

Most interventions that serve these communities (schools, health, clinics, nutrition programs and social services) often depend on the individual needing transportation to access providers. And unfortunately, the cost of vehicle ownership is often out of reach for many.  Vulnerable road users, such as pedestrians, motorcyclists and bicyclists are at a greater risk to experience the negative impacts of our current transportation system.

Selected Publications