It’s no secret that Minneapolis is a dangerous place for all those who walk, cycle and roll. Unfortunately, crashes occur often here. And while we could blame them on fast-paced city life or distracted driving, some of the blame must be cast on our infrastructure. After all, 70% of fatal and severe crashes happen on only 9% of Minneapolis streets.
The Most Dangerous Streets in Minneapolis
Based on the newest Vision Zero data, only 23 of the streets within Minneapolis are to blame for 70% of the fatal and severe crashes that occurred within our city from 2007 and 2016. This map we’ve created shows the high injury streets in and around Minneapolis:
The 23 streets pinned in this map include:
- East Franklin Avenue
- East Lake Street
- Lyndale Avenue South
- Hiawatha Avenue
- East 38th Street
- West Lake Street
- Hennepin Avenue
- Nicollet Avenue
- East 46th Street
- Blaisdell Avenue
- South Washington Avenue
- North 1st Avenue
- University Avenue Southeast
- Olson Memorial Highway
- North Penn Avenue
- Emerson Avenue North
- North Washington Avenue
- Broadway Street Northeast
- Johnson Street Northeast
- Northeast Lowry Avenue
- Lowry Avenue North
- Central Avenue Northeast
- University Avenue Northeast
It’s important to note that this data includes all crashes involving vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. Unfortunately, these crashes are often more dangerous for cyclists and pedestrians, as they are considerably less protected than motorists surrounded by metal and airbags.
Why Are These Streets So Dangerous for Cyclists & Pedestrians?
According to the same Vision Zero data, pedestrians make up 29% of severe traffic injuries and deaths. And cyclists make up 16% of the same. The data concludes that speed is a large factor. Streets with higher speed limits generally have more severe crashes than those with lower limits.
These streets are also often congested and lack clear right-of-ways and turn lanes. And many of them lack specific safety features and infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians such as bicycle safety medians and raised pedestrian crossings.
Current & Future Street Updates to Lower Future Crashes
After looking at the data regarding treacherous areas such as Lyndale Avenue and Franklin Avenue, the City of Minneapolis has taken charge. They’re currently making updates to improve the safety of those who use these 23 pathways.
For example, Lyndale Avenue is currently receiving crosswalks, flashing pedestrian crossing beacons and additional safety upgrades. And during the rest of 2021 and through 2022, Minneapolis is planning additional updates to many of the other dangerous streets listed above.
According to the Vision Zero Action Plan, some of the planned safety treatments include:
- 4-to-3 lane safety conversions: This includes switching 4-lane streets into 3-lane streets with a center turn lane.
- Slow turn wedges: Wedges will extend the corner radius into streets at intersections to prevent drivers from turning corners at high speeds.
- Protected bike lanes: These lanes keep cyclists and motorists separate while on the road.
- Medians: Medians are concrete islands or raised areas where cyclists or pedestrians can go to escape between two oncoming lanes of traffic.
At Brazil Law Group, we have high hopes for the future of Minneapolis infrastructure. While some of our streets are currently difficult to travel, these updates will hopefully reduce the number of crashes and save lives in the process. You can trust that we’ll be paying close attention to this map, hopefully removing pins over the next couple of years.
Hurt in a Pedestrian or Bike Crash in Minneapolis? We’re Here to Help!
No matter what Minneapolis street your bicycle or pedestrian crash happened on, we’re here to help. To learn more about your accident or to speak with an attorney, give us a call at 612-874-6109 or send us a message.