OA2064. Data limitations in the epidemiology of injuries to vulnerable road users in four Canadian cities

Abstract Background Injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists are frequent in cities, particularly in car-centric cities in North America. However, the need for a reduction in automotive transportation and concurrent increase in walking and bicycling is essential for sustainability. Methods This study examines what information is available to Canadian municipalities, and what is needed to make evidence-based decisions on how to make the built environment safer for walking and bicycling. This includes different ways to count injuries, and evaluations of interventions to reduce speed, including automated speed enforcement. Results A summary of data from 4 Canadian cities will identify what we know (pedestrian and cyclist injury rates, effectiveness of speed reduction interventions) and where there are gaps in the data (measures of exposure to risk). For example, an comparison of police data to Emergency Department data indicates that police data capture only 8% of bicyclist injuries and 48% of pedestrian injuries. Speed humps are associated with a 22% reduction in pedestrian injuries but are four times more common in high income neighbourhoods compared to low-income neighbourhoods. Automated speed enforcement is associated with a reduction in speed, particularly cars travelling 85th percentile higher than the posted speed limit. Conclusion This presentation will provide insight into the effectiveness of interventions and the need for better data around pedestrians and cyclists, particularly their exposure to risk. Key messages • Municipalities need data and evidence to make decisions about road safety, including injury surveillance. • There is evidence that some interventions work well to reduce injuries to pedestrians and bicyclists, but there are also gaps in the data needed to make decisions. Topic Vulnerable Road Users, Research Gaps, Surveillance.