New Report Details Increase in People Hit by Motorists in Cleveland

We have released our second annual report analyzing traffic crashes involving people walking and biking in the City of Cleveland. Using publicly available data, the report reveals that at least 603 people were hit by motorists in 2024 while walking or biking in the city.

Cleveland has committed to Vision Zero – a strategy to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injuries by 2032. But this year’s numbers – up from 550 people struck in 2023 – show the city is not on track to meet that goal. In fact, the steady toll of crashes highlights the urgent need for investment in street design that protects all road users. Fatal crashes in the city are also on the rise, with 75 people killed in crashes in 2024 – a significant jump from 59 in 2023 and 43 in 2022. Among those killed last year, 15 were people walking or biking, a sharp increase from 9 in 2023 and 10 in 2022.

Jenna Thomas, our Advocacy Director, adds “Over 600 crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists is unacceptable. And we know this figure is likely an undercount, because many crashes go unreported. The data we do have paints a clear picture: Cleveland must act swiftly to build a transportation system that prioritizes people over cars and safety over convenience.”

This report stands apart from similar analyses by going beyond official police reports. It also includes data from 911 dispatch call notes to provide a more accurate count of incidents involving bicyclists and pedestrians. The report also seeks to count the number of wheelchair users, scooter riders, and children struck by vehicles.

In addition to citywide totals, the report includes a ward-by-ward breakdown of crash data – empowering residents, community groups, and elected officials to understand and address the unique safety needs of their neighborhoods. The report also outlines key recommendations for action, from infrastructure improvements to policy changes.

As a resident, you can take action in two ways:

1. Northeast Ohio Families for Safe Streets is a group for people who have lost loved ones or who have been injured in a crash by aggressive, reckless, or careless driving, which is often behavior enabled by dangerous street design. The group is designed to provide a community of support for victims and loved ones. You can learn more about this group here.
2. Join a Better Streets Committee in your neighborhood. These are neighborhood committees that advance hyper-local infrastructure and promote alternative transportation. These committees are made up of resident volunteers who are passionate about improving the infrastructure in their neighborhoods. You can see the list of neighborhoods in action and join here.

We urge city leaders, agencies, and residents to take the findings seriously and commit to bold action. A safer Cleveland is possible, but only if we choose to prioritize people over speed and invest in the kind of streets that work for everyone.