The new close calls map I offered a sneak peek of back in August has been launched.
We’ve even come up with a snazzy acronym…
B-SMaRT ~ the Bike Safety Monitoring and Reporting Tool
This Google Maps-based tool allows you to report close calls, collisions, and problem locations. To input data, you’ll need to register with a valid email address (anyone can view reports).
Also, when you register you’ll be able to opt-in for notifications about bike-safety related topics in the neighborhood around your close call. For example, if PDOT is looking for feedback, or has scheduled an open house event in a certain neighborhood, you would be emailed with details on how to get involved.
B-SMART was developed by Joe Broach (a Ph.D. student in Urban Studies at Portland State University) in collaboration with BikePortland.org. It will take the place of my, Wanted: Your close calls post that has logged over 600 close call reports since it was published in August of 2005.
We hope the data gathered with B-SMART will lead to more informed planning decisions, and help guide future conversations about infrastructure, enforcement, traffic safety engineering, and more.
Spread the word, stay tuned for updates, and please leave feedback. Comments can be left here, or you can send an email to Joe Broach at joebroach [at] gmail [dot] com.
— Take a look at the “View Reports” screen (data populated with close calls reported on BikePortland.org).