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Permalink Reply by Yasmeen on February 10, 2015 at 4:53am

I wonder if the safety can also be attributed to the higher visibility of those bikes? Bright color, blinking lights at all times could mean they are easier to spot. Plus, they are so heavy.

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Permalink Reply by Lisa Curcio on February 10, 2015 at 5:02am

Interesting, but we are not able to compare these statistics to statistics for all riders in the city to know if Divvy is safer, the same, or more dangerous than riding a private bike.  While Divvy rides are tracked, there is no tracking of how many rides have been taken on private bikes and compare that to how many riders are injured.  

The one thing we do have is the fatality number on private bikes. Since there have not been any reported fatalities for a Divvy rider, I guess one can reach some conclusion about safety from that.  It certainly does not tell us much.

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Permalink Reply by Asper K on February 10, 2015 at 5:04am

Data does not say that Divvy's are safer than other cyclists.  The hours ridden on personal bikes are likely far higher so it's not right to compare total injuries.  And regardless of total injuries, it's fair to say that divvy riders are more novice overall.  In summer particularly, there are many tourists who are less familiar with Chicago. These riders are more likely do unexpected things on the road/cause problems. That's a fair point that I don't think you should try to pretend doesn't exist.

That said, I have a Divvy membership and use it way more than I ever thought I would.  I think it's awesome.  

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Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on February 10, 2015 at 5:50am

I think it makes the point that Divvy is a fairly safe way to travel.

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