LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — Michigan’s roadways are becoming increasingly dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists, despite a slight overall decrease in traffic fatalities last year. While the state reported a 2% drop in both total crashes and fatalities in 2023, the number of injuries rose by 1%, and incidents involving non-motorists reached their highest levels since 2019. This troubling trend seems to suggest that while drivers might be safer, everyone else is taking the hit—literally.

In 2023, according to the Michigan State Police, the state saw an increase in vehicle crashes involving non-motorists: 2,114 pedestrian-related accidents and 1,480 bicyclist-related incidents. These statistics represent a concerning 11% rise in pedestrian crashes and a 10% increase in bicyclist crashes compared to the previous year. Moreover, the increase in these types of crashes occurred even as the state experienced a slight 1.5% decline in overall traffic fatalities compared to the previous three years.

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While the raw data provides a broad overview, it can sometimes obscure the human cost: 24 bicyclists and 183 pedestrians lost their lives on Michigan roads last year. For instance, Ann Arbor, despite its recognition as a bicycle-friendly city, recorded four serious or fatal bicycle crashes and 12 serious or fatal pedestrian crashes in 2023. Such statistics led to a “die-in protest” outside city hall, where residents symbolically “played dead” among a sea of bicycles to call attention to rising traffic violence. 

The danger, however, is not only confined to larger cities or areas with heavy traffic. Counties across Michigan are experiencing similar, if not more severe, increases in crashes. Branch, Muskegon, Saginaw, Ottawa, and Macomb counties saw some of the largest percentage spikes in pedestrian-involved crashes, while St. Clair, Shiawassee, Grand Traverse, Washtenaw, and Berrien counties faced alarming jumps in bicyclist-related incidents.

The return to pre-pandemic traffic levels partly explains the rise in accidents. Nonetheless, issues such as Michigan’s infrastructure, which is predominantly car-centric, often overlook the needs of pedestrians and cyclists. In many areas, crosswalks are lacking, bike lanes are nonexistent or poorly maintained, and speed limits in pedestrian-heavy zones are too high. Additionally, the ongoing problem of distracted driving continues to exacerbate the situation.

Seasonal factors also influence crash rates. Pedestrian-involved accidents peaked in the fall, particularly in October and November, when shorter days and unpredictable weather make walking more dangerous. Bicyclists, on the other hand, face the greatest risk during the summer and early fall, when more people are likely to be biking. Interestingly, MLive reported that weekends are the safest time for non-motorists, while Wednesdays and Fridays pose the greatest danger.