Micromobility and Traffic Safety

Introduction

Despite the growing popularity of micromobility devices, cities and communities have struggled to ensure their safe use. This challenge stems from a lack of standardized regulations, inconsistent rules between privately owned and shared devices, and deficiencies in data collection efforts that hinders the development of effective safety strategies that can be integrated into urban environments. 

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is collaborating with the University of Tennessee to improve existing knowledge on micromobility by consolidating relevant documentation on safety aspects and risks associated with the increasing use of micromobility devices. This project will explore infrastructure improvements, effective policies, and equipment that can be crucial in promoting the safe use of sustainable transportation options such as e-bikes and e-scooters.

Project Goal and Plan

The goal of this project is to deliver actionable strategies to enhance the safety of micromobility. The first research task is to create a comprehensive synthesis of existing literature on micromobility to provide a thorough understanding of the present landscape and identify current gaps. Next, the project team will document federal, state, and local regulations and policies that impact micromobility. In addition, this project will explore potential data sources that could be utilized in micromobility studies, including police-reported crash data, emergency department injury data, and industry data sources. The fourth research task will gather diverse perspectives from stakeholders representing community advocacy groups and data collection agencies by conducting interviews. The last task will develop actionable recommendations to address safety concerns related to micromobility. This includes outlining best practices for safety countermeasures informed by infrastructure, policy improvements, and advancements in technology and equipment.