Hispanic Pedestrian and Bicycle 

Safety 

Report of Focus Group Discussions in 

Washington, New York, Miami, and Los 

Angeles 

 

Nhora Barrera Murphy 

The Media Network, Inc. 

(301) 565-0770 

www.themedianetwork.com

Richard Knoblauch 

Center for Applied Research 

(703) 759-2880 

July 2004 
Table of Contents 

• EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 

o INTRODUCTION

o PARTNERSHIP AND COALITION BUILDING MAIN FINDINGS

o FOCUS GROUP MAIN FINDINGS

o CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

• RESEARCH LOGISTICS 

o RECRUITMENT PROCESS FOR FOCUS GROUPS

o PROFILE OF RESPONDENTS

o FOCUS GROUP METHODOLOGY

• DETAILED FINDINGS FROM PEDESTRIAN FOCUS GROUPS 

o WHERE AND HOW OFTEN HISPANIC PEDESTRIANS WALK

o GENERAL AWARENESS OF TRAFFIC SIGNS AND REGULATIONS

o SOURCES OF INFORMATION ABOUT TRAFFIC SIGNS AND 

REGULATIONS

o PEDESTRIANS' PERCEPTIONS OF DANGER

o SAFETY MEASURES AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

o RISK-SEEKING BEHAVIORS AMONG PEDESTRIANS

o PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE OF ACCIDENTS

o GROUPS SEEN AS MOST LIKELY TO BE IN AN ACCIDENT

o GENERAL HISPANIC CULTURAL DIFFERENCES

o DIFFERENCES IN TRAFFIC BETWEEN LATINO COUNTRIES AND THE 

U.S.

o COUNTRY OF ORIGIN DIFFERENCES

o SAFETY SOLUTIONS: FINES AND TICKETS

o SAFETY SOLUTIONS: RESPECT AND EDUCATION

o OVERALL INTEREST

o HISPANICS' SUGGESTIONS FOR PUBLIC OUTREACH ON THIS TOPIC

• DETAILED FINDINGS FROM BICYCLIST FOCUS GROUPS 

o WHERE AND HOW OFTEN HISPANIC BICYCLISTS RIDE

o GENERAL AWARENESS OF TRAFFIC SIGNS AND REGULATIONS

o SOURCES OF INFORMATION ABOUT TRAFFIC SIGNS AND 

REGULATIONS

o BICYCLISTS' PERCEPTIONS OF DANGER

o SAFETY MEASURES AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

o RISK-SEEKING BEHAVIORS AMONG BICYCLISTS

o PERSONAL KNOWLEDGE OF ACCIDENTS

o GROUPS SEEN AS MOST LIKELY TO BE IN AN ACCIDENT

o GENERAL HISPANIC CULTURAL DIFFERENCES

o DIFFERENCES IN TRAFFIC BETWEEN LATINO COUNTRIES AND THE 

U.S.

o COUNTRY OF ORIGIN DIFFERENCES

o SAFETY SOLUTIONS: SIGNS AND PATHWAYS

o SAFETY SOLUTIONS: RESPECT THE TRAFFIC CODE

o OVERALL INTEREST

o HISPANICS' SUGGESTIONS FOR PUBLIC OUTREACH ON THIS TOPIC

• APPENDIX 

o MODERATOR'S GUIDE (ENGLISH)

o MODERATOR'S GUIDE (PEDESTRIAN SPANISH)

o MODERATOR'S GUIDE (BICYCLE SPANISH)

o SCREENING FORM (ENGLISH)
o SCREENING FORM (SPANISH)

o TRAFFIC SIGNS HANDOUT FOR GROUP DISCUSSION

Executive Summary

Introduction 

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and National Highway Transportation 

Safety Administration (FHWA/NHTSA) contracted with The Center for Applied 

Research (CAR) and its subcontractor The Media Network, Inc. (TMN) to conduct 

research related to Hispanic pedestrian and bicycle safety. As part of this research, 

TMN and CAR investigated crash statistics for this population group, made contacts 

to Hispanic organizations to collect information and build partnerships, and held eight 

(8) focus groups with Hispanic bicyclists and pedestrians. This research was designed 

to enable FHWA/NHTSA to better understand the attitudes and beliefs of Hispanics 

living in the U.S. concerning these issues. The results will allow FHWA/NHTSA to 

develop effective communication strategies and programs that will complement its 

existing information and services. 

This report primarily presents results from the focus group portion of this research, 

although we briefly discuss the partnership-building component to add context. TMN 

facilitated eight (8) focus groups with adults in Washington, DC, New York, Miami, 

and Los Angeles. Sixty-two (62) adults participated in these groups, twenty-eight 

(28) men and thirty-four (34) women. Participants were Hispanic men and women, 

over the age of 18, who either walked or rode their bicycles regularly. 

Following this executive summary, additional information is presented on the 

logistics of the focus groups, which is followed by a detailed report of findings from 

the groups (one report on the pedestrian groups, and another on the bicyclist 

groups). The Appendix contains the moderator's guides used in the focus groups (in 

both Spanish and English), as well as the screening form that was used to recruit 

participants to attend the groups (in both Spanish and English). The Appendix also 

contains a handout of various U.S. traffic signs that was used in some of the groups. 

Focus groups seek to develop insight and direction. The value of focus groups is in 

their ability to provide observers with unfiltered comments from a segment of the 

target population, and for decision-makers to gain insight into the beliefs, attitudes, 

and perceptions of the target audience. However, because of the limited number of 

respondents and the non-random nature of focus group recruiting, the findings from 

the focus groups cannot be quantitatively projected to a universe of similar 

respondents. 

Partnership and Coalition Building Main Findings 

The Media Network (TMN) contacted over 100 Hispanic community-based 

organizations in New York, Miami, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. to learn more 

about the work these organizations are doing related to this issue, and to assess 

their overall interest in this topic. The goal was that these organizations would work 
in partnership with us to provide data regarding crash statistics, and to provide us 

with information on what actions, if any, are going on at the local level about this 

topic. The response from these organizations was somewhat disappointing, with 

many organizations not returning our calls. The organizations we were able to talk to 

generally did not have much information on this topic. A few provided reports, 

essays, or other documents with relevant information, or even personal stories about 

accidents they had witnessed or heard about. However, most organizations did not 

have such information. We did not find any significant local efforts related to this 

issue. 

Focus Group Main Findings 

The main findings from our focus groups are consistent with the findings from the 

partnership calls: Hispanics in these focus groups had not given much thought to 

these issues, but, when brought to their attention, they find them interesting and 

important. Participants were especially interested in the fact that Hispanics are 

overrepresented in pedestrian and bicycle accidents. The Hispanics in these groups 

see cultural differences as a main potential cause of accidents among Hispanics, and 

cite major differences in traffic laws and enforcement between Latino countries and 

the U.S. They report a general lack of education on these issues, and few Spanishlanguage sources of information. Basic information designed for Spanish speakers on 

this topic would be greatly appreciated and well received by these audience groups. 

Additionally, participants said that new immigrants are particularly in need of such 

information. Participants did not think any one particular group of Hispanics (e.g. 

Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, and Central Americans) was most at risk, however. 

The main findings from these groups include: 

• There are significant cultural differences that affect how Hispanics behave as 

pedestrians and bicyclists in the United States. Participants told us that traffic 

rules are enforced more stringently in the United States than in Latino 

countries, that the U.S. has more signs and regulations than Latino countries, 

and that police officers in the U.S. are less corrupt. In general, participants 

said that these differences made Hispanics more prone to "disorder" (e.g. 

jaywalking), and less likely to report accidents when they do happen. They 

said that Hispanic neighborhoods in the U.S. are also more disorderly as a 

result, and that these neighborhoods may also be home to more accidents. 

• Many features of the U.S. traffic system appear to be somewhat unfamiliar to 

Hispanics. Participants told us that many signs are the same across cultures, 

but that signs that rely heavily on writing in English can be confusing (e.g. 

the Yield sign or Walk/Don't Walk signals). Participants also told us that traffic 

moves faster in the U.S., and complained about inadequate amounts of time 

to cross the street in this country. Crosswalks appear to be less common in 

Latino countries. 

• Participants told us that new immigrants, in particular, are unfamiliar with 

U.S. traffic laws, placing them at potentially higher risk. 

• While U.S. drivers were seen as more respectful of pedestrians and bicyclists 

than those in Latino countries, participants still complained about a lack of 

respect from drivers. This is particularly a concern because Hispanics said that 

socio-economic disparities make them less likely to be drivers, and because in 

a crash "the car always wins." 
• Hispanic pedestrians and bicyclists reported that there is a lack of basic 

information on pedestrian and bicycle safety. Much knowledge on this topic 

appears to be spread informally peer to peer, and the result is vague 

knowledge about laws. This is especially pronounced among cyclists. All 

groups indicated that they have limited ways to learn such information. Many 

group members said their main source of such knowledge (other than their 

peers) was taking the driver's exam. Materials in Spanish are particularly 

lacking. 

• Participants reported that they sometimes knowingly do things that put them 

at risk. For example, almost all participants in the pedestrian group had 

jaywalked, and many cyclists say they do not always stop when it is required. 

These behaviors are primarily motivated by a desire to get to one's 

destination faster, and, to a lesser extent, by a belief in fatalism or destiny. In 

some cases, however, participants reported breaking the law to feel safer 

(e.g. biking on the sidewalk if the street is very busy). 

• Participants do take some safety precautions, such as trying to be alert, 

making eye contact with drivers, or wearing safety gear (e.g. helmets for 

bicyclists) or brightly colored clothing. Some behaviors are more common 

than others are, however. For example, most bicyclists did not report wearing 

helmets. 

• Pedestrians and bicyclists both cite automobiles as a primary cause of 

crashes, and participants strongly believe that education on this topic needs 

to involve drivers as well as pedestrians and bicyclists. In addition, 

pedestrians cite bicyclists as a cause of crashes, and bicyclists cite 

pedestrians (especially children) as a cause of crashes. A lack of safe places 

to walk and ride is another cited cause of crashes. 

• Crashes are likely underreported for Hispanic pedestrians and cyclists. Many 

participants cited fear of the police and illegal immigration status as reasons 

Hispanics may not contact the police. Additionally, they say that reporting 

crashes is much less common in Latino countries. However, all examples of 

serious accidents mentioned in the groups (e.g. fatalities) were reported to 

the authorities. 

• Children, senior citizens, and recent immigrants were all thought to be more 

at risk of getting in crashes than other groups because of their lack of 

awareness, lack of mobility, and lack of acculturation, respectively. 

• Focus group members did not think that country of origin made a significant 

impact in pedestrian or cyclist behaviors, and participants in all four cities 

identified similar themes and issues. 

• Group members thought that additional education on this topic and fines 

would help to address this problem. They felt that Hispanics need to be 

educated concerning U.S. traffic and safety rules. This education should take 

the form of booklets, guides, advertising, and other information campaigns. 

At the same time, monetary fines ($40-$75) were also seen as an effective 

way to underline the seriousness of such violations. Many participants said 

the only way they would learn would be to "get a fine." 

Conclusions and Recommendations 

TMN and CAR offer the following conclusions and recommendations: 

• FHWA/NHTSA should consider designing and implementing a campaign for 

pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers around the idea of "respect." This respect 
needs to flow mutually among all parties, and should include respect for the 

law as well. Such a campaign should be broadly targeted, but should include 

Hispanics and bilingual materials. 

• Hispanics, and recent immigrants in particular, need information that is 

bilingual and that clearly explains common U.S. traffic laws, signs, rules, and 

behaviors. Such a guide should be available in Hispanic community centers, 

government offices, schools, and other locations. A guide should also explain 

the various safety devices that are available, how they work, and what they 

cost. 

• Information campaigns specifically for Hispanics should focus on the need to 

obey U.S. traffic laws such as stopping at lights and crossing only in 

walkways. Other topics that are likely to be of interest to Hispanics include 

information on how cars react to snow and ice, how to use crosswalks, 

pedestrian/cyclists rights and responsibilities, and that Hispanics are more 

likely to be involved in such crashes and therefore need to be more alert. 

• Finally, group members emphasized the importance of using graphics on 

traffic signs for non-English speakers and low literacy individuals, and 

indicated that they might be more willing to use safety devices (e.g. bicycle 

helmets) if such devices were available for free or at a reduced cost. 

Back to Table of Contents

Research Logistics 

Recruitment Process for Focus Groups 

The Media Network designed recruiting screeners to make sure that participants in 

the focus groups fit the profile of respondents FHWA/NHTSA was seeking. We had 

two different group types in each city: Hispanic pedestrians and Hispanic bicyclists. 

Our goal was to have approximately eight to nine participants in each group. The 

Media Network worked with partners from its own proprietary database, community 

centers, and other local organizations (including local biking associations) to obtain 

names of people who fit the criteria to participate in these focus groups (Spanishspeaking Hispanic males and females, over the age of 18, who were regular walkers 

or bicycle riders). Our goal was to create diverse groups of respondents in each city. 

Potential participants were contacted by telephone and were screened to verify their 

eligibility. See the Appendix for the screeners used in this project. 

Eligible participants were invited to participate in the groups, and were assured of 

the personal confidentiality and research-oriented purpose of the groups. These 

participants were not informed of the sponsor of this project. Confirmation letters 

with the time and location of the group were sent to all participants, as well as 

directions to the facilities where the groups were being held. Participants were called 

the night before the sessions to remind and encourage them to attend. 

Profile of Respondents 
Sixty-two (62) adults participated in these focus group sessions: twenty-eight (28) 

men and thirty-four (34) women. Out of these participants, thirty-five (35) 

participated in the pedestrian safety focus groups, and twenty-seven (27) 

participated in the bicycle safety focus groups. All of the participants were of 

Hispanic origin. Information on each of these participants is summarized in the tables 

below. There is one table for each of the eight focus groups. 

Hispanic Pedestrians in Washington, DC: 

Respondent 

Name 

Country of 

Origin Age Gender Education Income 

Leonardo Colombia 40-49 M 

Graduate or 

Professional 

Degree 

More than 

$60,000 

Maria Brazil 70-79 F Some College Between $15,000 

- $25,000 

Angela Colombia 30-39 F 

Graduate or 

Professional 

Degree 

Between $40,000 

- $60,000 

Gabriela Venezuela 30-39 F Some College More than 

$60,000 

Ana Puerto Rico 40-49 F 

Graduate or 

Professional 

Degree 

Between $40,000 

- $60,000 

Milton Guatemala 18-29 M Less than High 

School 

Between $15,000 

- $25,000 

Alberto Nicaragua 30-39 M College Degree More than 

$60,000 

Liliana Colombia 30-39 F 

Graduate or 

Professional 

Degree 

Between $25,000 

- $40,000 

Naomi Puerto Rico 70-79 F Some College Less than 

$15,000 

Hispanic Pedestrians in Los Angeles, CA: 

Respondent 

Name 

Country of 

Origin Age Gender Education Income 

Elisa Mexico 18-29 F High School 

Degree 

Between $25,000 

- $40,000 

Ana Ecuador 18-29 F College Degree Between $40,000 

- $60,000 

Sussie Mexico 50-59 F Some College Between $40,000 

- $60,000 

Jose El Salvador 40-49 M High School 

Degree 

$15,000 - 

$25,000 
Miriam El Salvador 40-49 F High School 

Degree 

Less than 

$15,000 

Lauro Mexico 60-69 M Less than High 

School 

Less than 

$15,000 

Iris Guatemala 18-29 F Less than High 

School 

Between $15,000 

- $25,000 

Martin Mexico 30-39 M High School 

Degree 

Between $15,000 

- $25,000 

Hispanic Pedestrians in Miami, FL: 

Respondent 

Name 

Country of 

Origin Age Gender Education Income 

Magali Cuba 50-59 F High School 

Degree 

Between $25,000 

- $40,000 

Santiago Colombia 60-69 M Less than High 

School 

Less than 

$15,000 

Mariana Cuba 18-29 F College Degree Between $25,000 

- $40,000 

Daisy Nicaragua 50-59 F High School 

Degree 

Less than 

$15,000 

Berta Cuba 60-69 F High School 

Degree 

Less than 

$15,000 

Raul Argentina 50-59 M High School 

Degree/GED 

Between $40,000 

- $60,000 

Patricia Panama 40-49 F Some College Less than 

$15,000 

Jaime Nicaragua 50-59 M College Degree Less than 

$15,000 

Hispanic Pedestrians in New York City, NY: 

Respondent 

Name 

Country of 

Origin Age Gender Education Income 

Juan Dominican 

Republic 50-59 M 

Graduate or 

Professional 

Degree 

More than 

$60,000 

Humberto Peru 60-69 M High School 

Degree 

Between $40,000 

- $60,000 

Kimberly Puerto Rico 18-29 F Some College Between $40,000 

- $60,000 

Evelyn USA 40-49 F High School 

Degree/GED 

Between $15,000 

- $25,000 

Eddie Guatemala 18-29 M High School 

Degree 

Between $25,000 

- $40,000 

Milagros Puerto Rico 60-69 F Less than High Between $15,000 
School - $25,000 

Yesenia Puerto Rico 30-39 F High School 

Degree 

Between $40,000 

- $60,000 

John Cuba 40-49 M High School 

Degree 

Between $25,000 

- $40,000 

Roberto Argentina 80 or 

older M College Degree Between $25,000 - $40,000 

Nilda Argentina 70-79 F Some College Between $15,000 

- $25,000 

Hispanic Bicyclists in Washington, DC: 

Respondent 

Name 

Country of 

Origin Age Gender Education Income 

Gabriela Ecuador 18-29 F College Degree Between $25,000 

- $40,000 

Raúl USA 18-29 M College Degree Between $25,000 

- $40,000 

Francisco Argentina 30-39 M High School 

Degree 

Between $15,000 

- $25,000 

Jorge Honduras 30-39 M College Degree Between $15,000 

- $25,000 

César El Salvador 50-59 M Some College Less than 

$15,000 

Rosa Peru 30-39 F 

Graduate or 

Professional 

Degree 

Between $25,000 

- $40,000 

Maritza Colombia 40-49 F College Degree Between $25,000 

- $40,000 

Hispanic Bicyclists in Los Angeles, CA: 

Respondent 

Name 

Country of 

Origin Age Gender Education Income 

Francisco Ecuador 30-39 M Some College Between $40,000 

- $60,000 

Elsa Puerto Rico 50-59 F Professional 

Degree 

More than 

$60,000 

Eduardo Mexico 30-39 M College Degree Between $15,000 

- $25,000 

Ezequiel Mexico 30-39 M Less than High 

School 

Less than 

$15,000 

Angela Guatemala 50-59 F College Degree Between $40,000 

- $60,000 

Brenda Puerto Rico 40-49 F College Degree Between $40,000 

- $60,000 
Hispanic Bicyclists in Miami, FL: 

Respondent 

Name 

Country of 

Origin Age Gender Education Income 

Alfredo Cuba 60-69 M College Degree Between $15,000 

- $25,000 

Virginia Puerto Rico 50-59 F Less than High 

School 

Less than 

$15,000 

Will Dominican 

Republic 30-39 M Some College More than $60,000 

Monica Peru 18-29 F College Degree Between $25,000 

- $40,000 

Israel Honduras Honduras M Less than High 

School 

Less than 

$15,000 

Neftali Puerto Rico 30-39 M High School 

Degree 

Less than 

$15,000 

Marta Cuba 40-49 F Less than High 

School 

Between $15,000 

- $25,000 

Melinda Panama 50-59 F High School 

Degree 

Between $25,000 

- $40,000 

Hispanic Bicyclists in New York City, NY: 

Respondent 

Name 

Country of 

Origin Age Gender Education Income 

David Costa Rica 40-49 M High School 

Degree/GED 

Less than 

$15,000 

Marisol USA 18-29 F College Degree Between $25,000 

- $40,000 

Magaly Puerto Rico 30-39 F Some College Between $25,000 

- $40,000 

Julio Cuba 40-49 M 

Graduate or 

Professional 

Degree 

Less than 

$15,000 

Reyes Puerto Rico 40-49 F Some College Between $25,000 

- $40,000 

Willie Peru 40-49 M High School 

Degree 

Between $40,000 

- $60,000 

Focus Group Methodology 

The focus groups were held in March, April, and May 2004 in Silver Spring, MD (just 

outside Washington, DC), New York, Miami, and Los Angeles. Each group was led by 

a professional bilingual focus group moderator. The groups lasted about two hours 

and were conducted in Spanish. In each city, we conducted one group with bicyclists 
and one group with pedestrians. Each participant signed an agreement to 

acknowledge that the session was being recorded (audio only), and informing them 

that their personal information would be kept confidential. Participants were provided 

with a light dinner, as well as a cash stipend for their participation. 

At the beginning of the discussion, participants were encouraged to share their ideas 

and were told that there were no wrong answers to the questions being asked. 

Participants were advised of "ground rules" for the discussion, which included the 

role of the moderator and what constitutes appropriate participant behavior. They 

were then reminded that they were being recorded. 

To begin the discussion, participants introduced themselves to one another and to 

the moderator. They were then led through the research questions in the 

moderator's guide, which focused on issues such as general attitudes about bicycle 

and pedestrian safety, knowledge of U.S. traffic laws, sources of information about 

these laws and safety issues, and overall interest in this topic. Detailed findings from 

these groups follow in the next section of this report. 

Back to Table of Contents

Detailed Findings from Pedestrian Focus 

Groups 

The findings reported here are from the four focus groups that focused on issues 

related to Hispanic pedestrian safety. The findings are topically organized. After each 

section, several quotes from group participants are included in italics. The quotes are 

associated with their respective cities (Washington, New York, Miami, and Los 

Angeles). 

Where and how often Hispanic pedestrians walk 

Participants reported a variety of walking behaviors. Several do not own a car, and 

thus rely heavily on walking to get them places. Others live within walking distance 

of places they visit regularly, such as church or the grocery store. Still others walk to 

public transportation stops or simply for pleasure or exercise. They reported walking 

anywhere from several minutes a day to several hours a day. Most walk during the 

daytime, but a few reported that they walk at night. There is some sense among 

these pedestrians, discussed later in this report, that Hispanic pedestrians may 

encounter particular hazards in the places they walk that other ethnic groups do not 

(e.g. in more dangerous areas). California pedestrians were asked whether they 

personally walked along railroad tracks, and all group members reported that they 

do not. They said that in the U.S., railways are better protected than in Hispanic 

countries, with fences and signs that prevent people from walking along the tracks. 

"I go walking because I do not have a car. I go to the supermarket 

and I do everything walking." - New York pedestrian
"I walk two blocks to the bus stop, and twelve blocks to the 

supermarket." - Miami pedestrian

"I'm very interested in walking for health purposes." - New York 

pedestrian

"I walk in the mornings and afternoons." - Washington pedestrian

"I walk 8 blocks every day to take my children to school, and then 

walk back. I also walk to work." - Los Angeles pedestrian

General awareness of traffic signs and regulations 

Focus group participants mentioned that they were familiar with several aspects of 

the U.S. traffic system, including various traffic signs, signals, and laws. However, 

their knowledge of these laws and systems was somewhat vague, and most 

participants could not describe in detail the safety systems concerning traffic in the 

U.S. For example, one group member described pedestrian walkways as "those white 

lines," while another indicated awareness of the crosswalk buttons, but skepticism 

regarding whether they really worked. Likewise, some pedestrians did not have 

specific ideas about what constitutes appropriate pedestrian behavior. For example, 

many signs are only in English, which creates confusion for new immigrants in 

particular. Additionally, in the U.S. system most signs are for drivers, so pedestrians 

report that they are not always sure what they are supposed to do (e.g. many 

participants reported initial confusion regarding what the blinking hand meant at a 

crosswalk). 

"There are two lights, the one for the driver which is higher, and a 

light to the side with a hand that says stop which is in red (in that case 

the pedestrian cannot go); when it changes to the little man, then you 

can go." - Miami pedestrian

"There are those white lines." - Washington pedestrian

"There are also buttons that you can press on the stop lights to switch 

the light to red, but I don't know if they really work." - Washington 

pedestrian

"I like to take a route where I have a light to push, otherwise you have 

to wait forever ... and the cars don't let you go." - Los Angeles 

pedestrian

"You should always walk in the opposite way as the cars." - Miami 

pedestrian

"There are not many signs, or when people see them, they don't know 

them." - Miami pedestrian

"The traffic signs are in English." - Miami pedestrian
"If the signs are written, it's going to be a problem, because not all 

[Hispanics] know the English language ... the signs are universal, and 

the languages are not." - New York pedestrian

Sources of information about traffic signs and 

regulations 

Participants in these focus groups reported that they have few formal sources of 

information available to them about changing traffic laws, and they reported that 

new immigrants have no consolidated source of general traffic information. For 

example, Miami participants said that they have no source of information when laws 

change, and Los Angeles participants said it would take a very prominent public 

education campaign to alert them to changes in laws. Hispanics' original knowledge 

about these laws was acquired mostly through day-to-day experience and an 

informal network of friends and family members, although a few reported some 

formal education (e.g. driver's education) regarding these issues, and still others 

said most of what they know they learned while taking the test to get a U.S. driver's 

license. Many participants spontaneously mentioned that for many Hispanics who are 

new to the U.S., traffic laws are likely to be confusing and unknown. Hispanics 

appear to self-identify as relatively uninformed about these laws, although several 

participants said Hispanics know no more or less about these laws than other ethnic 

groups. 

"There is very little education for the pedestrian." - Miami pedestrian

"I don't know [the rules] word by word, but it is part of the education 

that I received in Miami. For example, that the pedestrians have the 

right of way ... you used to learn [these laws] in the school, at home, 

in the TV, but today these laws do not exist anymore." - Miami 

pedestrian

"I think Hispanics that come from a country where there are no traffic 

signs ... [or] have never seen a traffic signal or never seen a traffic 

light; they aren't very familiar when they come here." - Washington 

pedestrian

"For example, pedestrian crossing, a Hispanic would have no idea what 

that means ... I think the text that is written on the signs is a big 

problem." - Washington pedestrian

"I have heard from other people that you have to walk in between the 

lines [crosswalks], and, if an accident occurs outside the lines, it is the 

pedestrian's fault." - Los Angeles pedestrian

"We know less [about traffic laws]." - New York pedestrian

"[We understand the traffic laws] no more or less than the other 

immigrants." - New York pedestrian

"If you don't know the language, then by looking at the behavior of the 

people here, then you learn." - Los Angeles pedestrian
Pedestrians' perceptions of danger 

These Hispanics spontaneously report that some of the places they walk are 

dangerous for pedestrians. For example, they mentioned intersections where cars 

never stop or where cars routinely stop in the middle of crosswalks, places where 

there are few traffic signals or where cars ignore signals, places where there are no 

sidewalks, and places where the time for pedestrians to cross the street is 

insufficient. Pedestrians also report a lack of respect in general from motorists, and 

cite bicyclists as a cause for concern. Many report having been in accidents with 

bicyclists. While they see walking as something of a hazard: "Unfortunately, there is 

no alternative." 

"This city is not designed for you to walk." - Miami pedestrian

"I don't think there is safety anywhere anymore." - Los Angeles 

pedestrian

"I walk almost all the time and I've learned that you have to be very 

alert." - Washington pedestrian

"In an accident ... the pedestrian is always on the losing end." - 

Washington pedestrian

"The people who ride in cars, they do not respect you. Even if you 

have the right to go first." - Los Angeles pedestrian

"Unfortunately there are no sidewalks, so I walk in the street." - Miami 

pedestrian

"Here in Miami, there is no respect for the pedestrian." - Miami 

pedestrian

"There is a street where there is only 30 seconds to cross the street, 

and 30 seconds is nothing." - Washington pedestrian

"The signs change too fast, and do not give you enough time to cross 

the street." - Los Angeles pedestrian

"There are a lot of bicyclists so you have to be careful you don't get 

run over." - New York pedestrian

"Drivers don't turn on their lights and pedestrians don't see them." - 

Washington pedestrian

"Sometimes it's more dangerous to walk at night than during the day." 

- Washington pedestrian

Safety measures and safety precautions 
These pedestrians reported a variety of precautions that they take to make 

themselves safer. Most reported that they do not wear fluorescent clothing or 

reflectors to make themselves more visible, although a few do use these devices or 

substitutes of their own devising. [An exception was in Los Angeles, where most 

group members said they do wear lighter colored clothing to make themselves more 

visible.] A few also said that they simply avoid walking at night, or in bad weather. 

Pedestrians who did not currently use reflective clothing are willing to consider this 

behavior. Other safety measures employed by pedestrians include making sure there 

is an appropriate distance between themselves and cars before crossing the street, 

being aware of weather and general driving conditions, or trying to make visual 

contact with drivers to ensure drivers were aware of their presence. 

"The bicyclists use them [fluorescent clothes], but not us." - New York 

pedestrian

"I use reflectors and I also walk on the opposite side of the street to 

see the cars coming, because there are parts where I walk where 

there isn't a sidewalk." - Washington pedestrian

"I don't own a safety vest, but I always try to take a sheet or a bright 

umbrella." - Washington pedestrian

"I wear light clothes so that the drivers can see me." - Los Angeles 

pedestrian

"[I might be willing to wear] a reflector that you can out around your 

arm, or a reflective strap that you can put around your wrist." - 

Washington pedestrian

"The precaution that I take is that the car has to be far [away] for me 

to cross." - New York pedestrian

"If I have to cross the street, I go to the light, because near to where I 

live ... a person was killed by a car, and therefore I am afraid." - Los 

Angeles pedestrian

"In the winter, when it snows or when it's slippery, I don't run to cross 

the street. I'm more careful." - Washington pedestrian

"I try to walk fast across the intersections." - Washington pedestrian

"The pedestrian must have a certain knowledge about city behavior. 

For example, they must know that at 9 a.m. everybody is going to 

work and therefore the people in the cars are going to have less 

patience with the pedestrians than if it was 3 p.m. on a Saturday or 

Sunday." - New York pedestrian

"I look at the driver; I try to make visual contact with the driver." - 

Washington pedestrian
"I try to make eye contact with the drivers to tell them that I am ready 

to cross." - Los Angeles pedestrian

Risk-seeking behaviors among pedestrians 

These participants were most comfortable discussing behaviors that they see other 

pedestrians engaged in that might be unsafe, as opposed to providing specific 

examples of what they do which is risky. There is a general awareness that 

pedestrians can cause accidents doing things such as crossing in the middle of a 

street, or not waiting for the appropriate time to cross. Participants did not think that 

Hispanics were more likely to do these things than other ethnic groups. In terms of 

personal risky behaviors, many pedestrians report that they have jaywalked. While 

they know this is dangerous, they do this because they are in a hurry. Finally, some 

pedestrians said that they have seen other people walk after drinking. New York 

participants said this was common, and at least one person admitted having done 

this. In Miami, participants said they had only heard of such behavior and never 

engaged in it themselves. In Los Angeles, one person said he used to do this, but no 

longer does, and another reported that a man in his building does this all the time. 

"A pedestrian needs to be very responsible ... us pedestrians can make 

accidents happen." - Washington pedestrian

"Many people cross where they are not supposed to cross." - 

Washington pedestrian

"I used to [jaywalk], but then I got a ticket." - Los Angeles pedestrian

"I sometimes [jaywalk], but first I look." - Los Angeles pedestrian

"Sometimes the walking signal says don't cross and people still cross." 

- Washington pedestrian

"People don't care about the color of the light, they walk at all times." 

- New York pedestrian

"Like I did tonight to get here, cross in the middle of the street, that's 

called jaywalking." - Washington pedestrian

"In general, I don't have the patience to wait for the light to change, 

so I'll just jaywalk." - Washington pedestrian

"I cross in the middle of the street, if there is no car, I cross." - Miami 

pedestrian

"I have also done it [cross in the middle] to save time." - Miami 

pedestrian

"Generally, one goes into a bar and goes out [by] walking ... [after a 

few drinks] I feel a little slow and feel like I do not have all my senses 
and when you are like that you are not careful anymore." - New York 

pedestrian

Personal knowledge of accidents 

About a third of these participants had knowledge of someone who had been 

involved in an accident while a pedestrian. These included personal incidents, 

incidents involving friends and family members, and incidents they had observed. 

Some of the accidents were serious (one participant knew of someone who had been 

killed and another where a man's leg was broken), but they also reported minor 

incidents. The crashes involved pedestrians and cars and pedestrians and bicycles. 

Some of these accidents were reported to the police, while others were not. There is 

some reluctance to report such accidents because of fears of the police and concerns 

about immigration status. The causes of these accidents include parents not 

monitoring their children's behaviors and drivers failing to follow traffic laws. 

Additionally, one participant reported almost getting in an accident because he was 

distracted and thinking about other things. 

"Well, I have had many incidents here in Manhattan with the delivery 

boys, because they did not see me ... [also,] in Manhattan, there are 

many senior citizens who have been hit by bicycles." - New York 

pedestrian

"When I went to California, I saw some kids that their parents weren't 

paying attention to, and the little girl tried to cross the street and a car 

hit the little girl, and the people didn't speak English." - Washington 

pedestrian

"I have a cousin who was hit by a taxi in Manhattan. The accident was 

reported and he had a fractured leg." - New York pedestrian

"A lady that lives by my house ... got hit by a pickup truck and 

damaged her knee; now she cannot walk." - Miami pedestrian

"The mother of a Colombian friend was killed by a car which did not 

stop at a yield sign while crossing a street in front of her house." - 

Miami pedestrian

"My grandchild, 4 years ago, in a very quiet residential street ... [he 

tried to] cross the road while his father wasn't looking and got hit by a 

van." - Los Angeles pedestrian

"I got hit by a bicyclist ... I was crossing and he was turning the corner 

and it seems that he saw me and screamed at me ... he hit my 

shoulder and he ended up hitting a car." - New York pedestrian

"A work mate was hit by a bicyclist." - New York pedestrian

"I had a friend [who was in an accident]." - Washington pedestrian
"When I was almost in an accident, I was thinking of something else 

and I wasn't looking at the light." - Washington pedestrian

"One time at my bus stop, I got off the bus and the light was green for 

me to cross, so I started to cross but another bus went right in front of 

me and almost ran me over." - Los Angeles pedestrian

Groups seen as most likely to be in an accident 

Focus group participants mentioned three main groups of people likely to be involved 

in accidents: young children, because they do what they want and tend not to pay 

attention; older people, because they move slower; and, recent immigrants, because 

they don't know U.S. traffic rules as well and tend to work in more dangerous areas. 

While there is a great deal of agreement that children and seniors are more at risk, 

participants were more divided as to whether recent immigrants really are at 

increased risk. Some participants argued that recent immigrants are very alert 

because they are in an unfamiliar situation, while others said these immigrants 

simply cannot compensate for the fact that they do not know U.S. laws as well as 

native-born Americans or people who have been in the U.S. longer. 

"The younger kids ... the younger generation basically does whatever 

they want." - Washington pedestrian

"The children, because they do not know about the danger, they chase 

after a ball." - Miami pedestrian

"The children do not wait for the lights, they just walk, and the seniors 

walk slowly." - Los Angeles pedestrian

"I believe that the senior citizens [are more likely to get in an 

accident], because they do not have the same speed as a young 

person to cross the road quickly." - New York pedestrian

"I think that people who have difficulty walking fast will be more likely 

to get into an accident." - Washington pedestrian

"I think it's the elderly." - Washington pedestrian

"And the new immigrants ... near the factories [where immigrants 

work] there are no signals ... for the workers to get there, they have 

to go around or take short cuts through the highway and those 

shortcuts generally never have signals to cross." - New York 

pedestrian

"The Hispanic immigrants ... the type of work that he can do puts him 

more on the street and therefore puts him at higher risk." - New York 

pedestrian

"[Immigrants are more at risk] if they do not know the laws, and laws 

are not in Spanish." - Los Angeles pedestrian
General Hispanic cultural differences 

Focus group participants reported several general cultural differences that pertain to 

Hispanic pedestrian safety. They say that many Hispanics come from rural areas, and 

that adapting to city life in the U.S. takes time. Likewise, many Hispanics who come 

to this country do not know English well, or do not understand U.S. traffic patterns 

(see next section for more information on this topic). Hispanics also feel they are 

more likely to walk because they are poorer. Additionally, they report that many 

Hispanics may be afraid to report accidents to the police, because they do not know 

English or the U.S. traffic system well, and because some immigrants are in this 

country illegally. There is also a general sense that Hispanics may take more risks 

than other ethnic groups, due in part to an attitude of fatalism (i.e. "if it's meant to 

happen, it will happen"), which may mean that this population engages in more riskseeking behaviors. One participant also said that Hispanic culture makes Latinos 

more likely to be rowdy while drinking alcohol, which could lead to more accidents. 

At the same time, some participants said that Hispanics are more alert here than in 

their own countries, because they are more aware of these issues. 

"A majority of Hispanics that get here from the country, it takes them 

a long time to adapt to living in the city." - Washington pedestrian

"People aren't used to the culture here. Sometimes people ... are 

afraid to participate in the system." - Washington pedestrian

"Hispanics come here with less money ... they have to walk, and since 

they have to walk, there is more chance of getting in an accident." - 

Los Angeles pedestrian

"I think we are more likely to be in an accident because we have more 

people walking on the streets, we have more kids on the roads, and 

the rest of the people are in cars." - Los Angeles pedestrian

"He [Hispanic pedestrian in an accident] is afraid of the police, the 

language is another, not knowing the laws. [Also,] many people 

believe immigration is going to be involved in all cases." - New York 

pedestrian

"I have a friend who did not report an accident because he does not 

have a driver's license." - Los Angeles pedestrian

"[Hispanics are more likely to take risks,] they are more irresponsible." 

- Miami pedestrian

"As Latinos, we try to take shortcuts and skip over things, and that's a 

reality." - Washington pedestrian

"I always have the luck and the blessing that whoever is in the road 

will give me the right of way." - Miami pedestrian
"Americans are more careful when they are drunk. They are not as 

loud and crazy in the street, because that is more of our culture when 

we drink." - Washington pedestrian

"I think we educate ourselves more here than in our countries, as 

pedestrians. In our countries, we cross the roads even if the cars are 

coming, because there are no signs." - Los Angeles pedestrian

Differences in traffic between Latino countries and the 

U.S. 

These pedestrians had very energetic discussions about the differences between 

traffic patterns and traffic signs in the United States vs. in Hispanic countries. A 

primary difference is that there is more traffic in general in the United States. In 

addition, one of the most consistently reported differences is that traffic rules are 

enforced much more stringently in the United States, and, in general, traffic is more 

regulated in this country. Several participants also mentioned that the U.S. system is 

less corrupt. For the most part, traffic signs are the same in Latino countries as in 

the U.S. However, participants said that there are more traffic signs in the U.S., and 

that sometimes these signs are located in different places than they are in their 

home countries, or have text written in English that they do not understand. 

Participants specifically mentioned problems with knowing what to do at a crosswalk, 

with the yield sign, and with pedestrian crossings marked "walk" or "don't walk" (as 

opposed to using symbols). Finally, some participants said that Hispanics are worse 

drivers than other Americans, and that, subsequently, Hispanic neighborhoods are 

more dangerous places to be a pedestrian. Hispanic neighborhoods are also said to 

be more crowded, with more kids in the streets, and "less respect" for traffic laws 

than in non-Hispanic neighborhoods. 

"[Many Hispanics] come from places where there is no traffic, or from 

the fields." - New York pedestrian

"Over there, the driver always has the right of way, but the 

pedestrians also do what they want. There, laws don't really count." - 

Washington pedestrian

"In our countries, we do not obey the law." - Miami pedestrian

"We are used to crossing in the middle of the road." - Miami pedestrian

"In our countries, if the police stop you, you give them money and 

that's it." - Miami pedestrian

"I believe there is a cultural aspect initially. For example, I have 

known people that had transit problems and pulled out their wallets to 

give money to the police. In our country, that is common ... here, you 

cannot do it." - New York pedestrian

"[Traffic signs and signals] are the same [as in native countries], but, 

if there is no car, people will cross the road." - New York pedestrian
"In Guatemala ... there are not many lights ... for pedestrians there 

are no lights, you have to look for the car traffic lights." - New York 

pedestrian

"Here there are signs everywhere." - Washington pedestrian

"The position of the lights that are up in the air, because, in my 

country, they are on the corner ... the stop light is not where I am 

looking." - Washington pedestrian

"When I first got to the U.S. I didn't really understand the signs, so I 

would walk over the white line ... I think it would be a good idea to 

have a picture of a pedestrian between the lines so people know where 

to walk." - Washington pedestrian

"I did not know that the laws here were respected and that I had to 

push a button in order to cross the street ... it was hard, and I kept 

forgetting." - Los Angeles pedestrian

"When I first got here about 20 years ago they were still using 'walk' 

and 'don't walk' and I remember that my father was confused by that 

because he didn't know what 'walk' and 'don't walk' meant." - New 

York pedestrian

"There is a sign [for drivers] ... that says Yield and I didn't know what 

that meant until later." - New York pedestrian

"In the beginning I used to read one thing on the sign, but the 

meaning was different, and slowly you learn." - Los Angeles pedestrian

"I had problems because when the green light was giving me the right 

to walk with a little white man, then a little hand will come out and you 

cannot walk, but I would not understand ... because it was in English, 

and then someone told me that the little hand means you cannot 

walk." - Los Angeles pedestrian

"[Hispanic] drivers have less discipline. For example, in the Dominican 

neighborhoods here, you have to be very careful because the driver 

will go on the yellow, on the red, any color, they do not respect [the 

signals]. So, you are taking a higher risk where there are Hispanics 

than in other places." - New York pedestrian

"I do walk by [neighborhood], which is ... a zone of high Hispanic 

traffic which I would say is very disorganized." - New York pedestrian

"[Hispanic neighborhoods have] more cars, more people walking, and 

it seems there is less respect." - Los Angeles pedestrian

Country of origin differences 
Participants agreed that country of origin might also matter, although they found it 

difficult to come up with specific examples of differences. Essentially, they reported 

that each Hispanic culture is unique, and, because of this, different Hispanics bring 

varying expectations to being a pedestrian in the United States. Additionally, each 

person has a different background and education, and these factors are also related 

to knowledge and behaviors. However, we found in the groups a great deal of 

consistency in the answers people provided, indicating that country of origin 

differences are likely not very significant contributors to this issue, and are likely 

overshadowed by general cultural and language differences between Hispanics and 

non-Hispanics. 

"If we come from Argentina it's very different than if we just came 

from Mexico." - New York pedestrian

"I don't believe that it is a question of nationality, but it is a matter of 

individuality, because everybody has to adjust to the place you are 

living." - New York pedestrian

Safety solutions: Fines and tickets 

In thinking about the problem of Hispanic pedestrian safety, one immediate solution 

offered by group members was that traffic laws needed to be more strictly enforced. 

Participants were not clear as to whether it was drivers, pedestrians, or both who 

needed to be subject to more stringent fines. The general sense was that even 

though the U.S. was more regulated in this regard than Latino countries, laws are 

still relatively lax regarding enforcement. They believe that issuing tickets with 

associated fines would improve the behaviors of drivers and pedestrians. Fines 

should be at least $40 for infractions such as jaywalking, and many people in the 

groups supported even higher fines. 

"We should make violators of the law have tickets of a higher value." - 

New York pedestrian

"They won't take it seriously unless there is a fine or something that 

will cost them and make them take the laws on pedestrian safety 

seriously." - Washington pedestrian

"Once they get a couple of tickets, they are going to learn." - Los 

Angeles pedestrian

"I think the problem lies in not being strong enough in applying the 

law in order for the Hispanics to learn the law." - Miami pedestrian

"I believe that the laws should be enforced." - New York pedestrian

"I think a fine will do it." "At least $40." - Los Angeles pedestrians, in 

conversation

Safety solutions: Respect and education 
Another common solution offered to this problem was the need for more general 

respect and education among pedestrians and drivers. Partly, this is tied to a need to 

recognize that certain behaviors and practices are dangerous. However, pedestrians, 

and recent immigrants in particular, need more traffic safety education. For example, 

this education could explain what crosswalks are, and what the crosswalk symbols 

mean. Pedestrians also thought that it was important for drivers to respect 

pedestrians, including yielding to pedestrians and being alert for pedestrians. 

"The first thing that the pedestrian should do is to respect himself and 

to respect the norms; you cannot be crossing the big avenues in any 

place you want, it is very dangerous. Also, the drivers must respect 

the norms as well." - New York pedestrian

"[Pedestrians need to] have more respect for the drivers." - Los 

Angeles pedestrian

"There is not enough time to educate them about driving [when they 

come to this country]." - Washington pedestrian

"[Pedestrians need to] be more careful, even if you have the right to 

go, because the light is not respected." - Los Angeles pedestrian

"I think if they [Hispanics] had education, there would be less 

accidents." - Washington pedestrian

"I think there should be education first and then enforce the laws." - 

New York pedestrian

"In Miami, the problem is that the people do not respect the laws, 

[and] the police do not do anything." - Miami pedestrian

"The city or the state can make a good investment in pedestrian 

education, especially for the immigrants." - New York pedestrian

Overall interest 

Participants said that they were personally interested in this topic, and that the 

Hispanic community in general would also be interested in this issue. However, this 

issue was not seen as more pressing than other social concerns (e.g. crime or 

education). The most compelling statistic seems to be that Hispanics are significantly 

overrepresented, by a factor of two, in such crashes. This statistic makes people 

interested in this topic. 

"This is a problem for all of us." - New York pedestrian

"All of us can put in a little and help." - Los Angeles pedestrian

"What surprises me is the second one, that we have double the 

probability to be in an accident." - New York pedestrian
"It seems to me that the problems of drugs and education are more 

important than the pedestrian." - New York pedestrian

"It seems to me that at the local level, at the community level, there is 

interest, but not at a higher level." - New York pedestrian

Hispanics' suggestions for public outreach on this topic 

Participants mentioned several places they would like to see more information on 

this issue distributed. These places include television (e.g. Univision), radio, public 

transit stations, commercials, soap operas, soccer games, PSAs, churches, schools, 

and supermarkets. All such materials should be bilingual. Participants are not 

interested in receiving information via the Internet. Materials also should include 

graphics and other visuals, and not rely too heavily on text. Participants also had 

some ideas for the content of such a campaign. These include stopping at every 

light, looking both ways before crossing the street, obeying the laws, respecting the 

lights, crossing only in pedestrian walkways, and education about what to do at 

yellow lights and about how cars can slide in snow and bad weather. 

"Anywhere there is a concentration of Hispanics, [there] should be 

more written information." - New York pedestrian

"It could be in a graphic way, because there are people who don't like 

to read." - New York pedestrian

"Stop at every light. Look both ways before you cross." - Washington 

pedestrian

"I always tell my kids that they not only need to walk forward, but 

they need to look every way." - Los Angeles pedestrian

"Always cross by the pedestrian zones." - Miami pedestrian

"On the light poles, put signs with indications to wait for the light to 

change, to go to the intersection in order to cross." - Miami pedestrian

"[The message could be,] 'Hey Juan, here [in the U.S.] you have to 

obey the laws.'" - Washington pedestrian

"Respect the pedestrians." - Los Angeles pedestrian

"Respect the signs." - Los Angeles pedestrian

"I think pedestrians should know how climate affects cars; if it snows, 

it slides. I think pedestrians should be educated on what the weather 

can do to a car." - Washington pedestrian

Back to Table of Contents
Detailed Findings from Bicyclist Focus 

Groups 

The findings reported here are from the four focus groups that focused on issues 

related to Hispanic bicycle safety. The findings are topically organized. After each 

section, several quotes from group participants are included in italics. The quotes are 

associated with their respective cities (Washington, New York, Miami, and Los 

Angeles). 

Where and how often Hispanic bicyclists ride 

Participants reported a range of bicycling behaviors. Many rely on their bicycle as a 

means of transportation to get to and from work, to run errands, and for leisure 

activities or exercise. One participant reported using his bicycle for work as a bicycle 

courier in New York. Some participants combined their riding with other forms of 

transportation (e.g. the bus), and were more likely to use alternative transportation 

in bad weather or at night. They reported biking anywhere from fifteen minutes to an 

hour per day, with the exception of the bike messenger who reported riding eight to 

ten hours each day. Although most riding occurs during the day, one participant did 

enjoy riding at night, when there was less traffic. There was a wide range of rider 

characteristics, with participants having been bike riders anywhere from a few 

months to 25 years. Some participants believed that Hispanics were more likely to 

ride bikes than other ethnic groups, because they tend not to own cars as frequently. 

"I take the back roads, where I usually take more time, but it is safer." 

- Miami bicyclist

"I go daily to the supermarket; since I'm not working I usually go 

everywhere on my son's bicycle." - New York bicyclist

"I'm a messenger. Because of my job, I use the bicycle every day, 

and, on the weekends, I also use it to go to Central Park." - New York 

bicyclist

"Normally I [bike] during the day. At night, I won't try it ... [I ride] 

about 40 minutes to an hour." - New York bicyclist

"Generally, I ride during the day, but I also ride at night ... it is nicer 

to ride at night, and there is less traffic. On the weekends, it's 

dangerous because there are more people." - New York bicyclist

"I hate to drive, so I have always tried to live in places where I can 

use my bicycle." - Washington bicyclist

"I use the bicycle every day to go to work or to the supermarket. I live 

in Washington and about two years ago, my car was stolen, so now I 

use my bike, because I can go anywhere faster that way." - 

Washington bicyclist
"I ride to work every day ... I also go to my friend's house, because I 

don't have a car right now." - Los Angeles bicyclist

"I ride my bicycle every weekend and some nights during the week." - 

Los Angeles bicyclist

"[Hispanics ride bicycles more often] because of necessity." "Because 

they have no cars." - Los Angeles bicyclists, in conversation

General awareness of traffic signs and regulations 

Participants in all cities reported that they are familiar with some aspects of the 

traffic system, including traffic signs, signals, and laws. However, their knowledge 

was somewhat vague, and many had questions about whether their recollections of 

the law were correct and what specific things the law required. For example, is it 

legal to ride on sidewalks? This is in contrast to pedestrians, who generally reported 

that they know the laws, but do not always follow them (an exception is that 

crosswalks were not well understood by either group). Other bicyclists had an 

awareness of the law, but reported that they felt safer sometimes breaking the law, 

e.g. riding against the traffic flow, riding on sidewalks, or crossing in the middle of 

the street. 

"I think that there is not much promotion or education to the individual 

in order to use a bicycle." - Washington bicyclist

"We don't have specific laws here; the bicyclist is the one that has to 

have open eyes and ride their bicycle as if they were driving a car." - 

Miami bicyclist

"I have seen signs to be aware of the children, dogs, or the ducks, but 

never for the bicycles." - Miami bicyclist

"Normally, [bicyclists use] the same signs as the cars: stoplights, 

stops, pedestrian pathways." - Washington bicyclist

"I don't know if the same laws for the pedestrians apply to the 

bicyclist, like the Yield [sign]." - Washington bicyclist

"I thought that it was prohibited to go in the opposite way of the 

traffic." - Washington bicyclist

"I never know if when I ride on the sidewalks, if this is okay or not." - 

Washington bicyclist

Sources of information about traffic signs and 

regulations 

Participants in these focus groups reported that there are several disparate sources 

of information for bicyclists about traffic laws and signs, but there is nowhere they 

can acquire general information on this topic. They mentioned that they currently 
receive information from the news, bicycle associations, newspapers, the Internet, 

police officers, or through personal experience. The groups felt that biking rules are 

not well publicized; several participants even questioned if such rules existed. Group 

members were interested in learning more about biking laws in general; in 

particular, they want to know more about their rights as bicycle riders. They would 

like such materials to be available to them in Spanish. 

"My mother always told me ... you have to ride in the same direction 

as the cars, you have to observe the traffic laws and be defensive." - 

Los Angeles bicyclist

"I saw the bicycles on the bus." - Miami bicyclist, reporting how he 

heard about a change in a local law

"I receive a magazine on bicycles, and they say that you are 

considered as a car and they say what you should do and not do." - 

Los Angeles bicyclist

"I read in the newspaper that there are laws for the bicyclists that go 

on the sidewalks, that they could be fined, because it's prohibited." - 

New York bicyclist

"The bicyclist law is not well known. We, the people who ride bicycles, 

do not know our rights, or how they work." - New York bicyclist

"I didn't know that [crossing at intersections] was a law." - Los 

Angeles bicyclist

"There is a guide for bicyclists, but it is in English." - Los Angeles 

bicyclist

Bicyclists' perceptions of danger 

These bicyclists reported a variety of situations and places that they considered 

threatening or dangerous. For example, they mention that there is often not enough 

room for bicyclists on the streets, and, subsequently, cars pass too close to them. 

They also note that often there are no pathways or signs to indicate where they 

should go. Other concerns include: intersections where vehicles turn on red lights; 

bad weather or riding at night; children who run into the street; hostility from 

drivers; areas with too much traffic; inconsistent bike lanes; construction areas; 

numerous pedestrians in crosswalks; and, a lack of security in certain 

neighborhoods. These dangers make them more likely to disobey the law, which, in 

certain situations, makes them feel safer. For example, bicyclists sometimes prefer 

to ride against the traffic, even though they know they are not supposed to do this. 

Almost all bicyclists agreed that there were numerous safety concerns for bicyclists, 

even leading to some reluctance to think about these risks. One participant noted: "I 

don't think of anything, so that I don't become nervous." 

"The city is unsafe. There's the fight between the pedestrians, the 

bicycle riders, and the cars." - New York bicyclist
"My experience is that when I ride on the street, the street is theirs 

[car drivers], and they blow the horn, they scream at you as if you did 

not have the right to be on the street. It looks like they hate bicyclists, 

especially the cab drivers." - New York bicyclist

"In the intersections [I feel nervous], because the vehicles can turn on 

red." - Miami bicyclist

"These streets are not designed for bicycles, but for cars, and are 

therefore dangerous ... it is dangerous because the cars do not respect 

the bike riders." - Los Angeles bicyclist

"[I feel nervous] in the construction areas." - Washington bicyclist

"To cross the bridge, there is only one sidewalk, and it is very narrow 

to go by." - Los Angeles bicyclist

"When it rains, everything is slow. You have to be careful because the 

visibility is less and the cars react slowly." - New York bicyclist

"Big avenues ... can make me nervous ... [I'm also a little nervous on 

normal-sized avenues] because the kids could run after a ball; you 

have to be careful." - New York bicyclist

"There is no pathway for the bicycle, so you have to get to the 

sidewalk and go up and down again to cross a wide avenue with an 

island in the middle." - Los Angeles bicyclist

"The dogs [make me nervous]." - Washington bicyclist

"[I am nervous] in some areas where there are poor traffic signals or 

in the dark places." - Washington bicyclist

"I don't think that it's legal, but I do it [ride against traffic], because I 

feel safe that way." - Washington bicyclist

"Sometimes when I ride against traffic I feel uncomfortable ... and 

sometimes I feel the opposite way because the cars go by too close to 

me." - Miami bicyclist

Safety measures and safety precautions 

These participants reported being aware of a variety of safety measures. Some 

participants used such measures, while others did not, for reasons such as cost, 

appearance, and discomfort. Safety measures mentioned include: respecting the 

signs and laws; finding safer routes where there was less traffic or specific bike 

paths; walking across intersections after pedestrians and cars have passed; watching 

car signals; being alert by making eye contact with cars and looking over your 

shoulder; checking brakes; wearing proper shoes and helmets; and, reducing speed 

as they approach corners. At nighttime or in adverse weather conditions, most 
participants reported that they take extra precautions such as wearing reflective 

clothing, using lights on their bikes, or riding on the sidewalk. However, only a few 

participants reported that they avoid going out at these times. Hispanic bicyclists, 

then, appear to take more safety precautions than Hispanic pedestrians, but such 

precautions are still far from universal. Bicyclists also offer several suggestions to 

improve safety. These include: the need for more bicycle repair shops; the need for 

more affordable safety devices; adding mirrors to bicycles; adding places to store a 

bicycle in the city; and, creating and offering a formal bicycle course for new 

immigrants. 

"A bicycle rider should wear a helmet in case of an accident." - Miami 

bicyclist

"I believe that if you ride at night, you have to wear reflective clothes 

so that the people can see you." - New York bicyclist

"Definitely [I wear] the helmet and all the pads." - Los Angeles 

bicyclist

"I bought ... the clothes because it's the only thing the drivers are 

going to see, so the biggest view is my back, so it must be seen." - 

Washington bicyclist

"I use special shirts." "I always use shiny clothes." - Los Angeles 

bicyclists, in conversation

"At night I use lights in the front and in the back, so that they can see 

me." - New York bicyclist

"Everything is so expensive, first the bicycle and then all the products 

are too expensive." - New York bicyclist

"If I can find a safer route, I will take it even if it takes more time." - 

Miami bicyclist

"When I have to cross a busy intersection, I cross it walking next to 

my bike." - Miami bicyclist

"I never trust the signal; I never cross with the cars; I'd rather wait 

before I go." - Miami bicyclist

"You have to have eye contact [with the cars] all the time, ahead of 

you, and to the sides." - Miami bicyclist

"[You have to] make eye contact [with drivers], and look for turn 

signals." - Los Angeles bicyclist

"I always reduce the speed on the corners, I try to take the roads that 

have less traffic and are along sidewalks." - New York bicyclist

"Bicycles should have mirrors." - New York bicyclist
"The park I go to has a bicycle path, and everything is marked for the 

bicyclist." - Los Angeles bicyclist

Risk-seeking behaviors among bicyclists 

These participants openly discussed some of their biking behaviors that might pose a 

hazard to themselves or others. For example, many reported actions such as 

crossing the street where there is not an intersection, not stopping for red lights, not 

wearing safety gear, and being careless at times. Additionally, a few participants 

admitted to riding their bicycles after drinking alcohol. These risk-seeking behaviors 

were not seen as particularly harmful by group members, and, in some cases, 

bicyclists reported that they felt justified in their behaviors. These behaviors seem to 

be motivated by convenience and a desire to save time. In fact, some participants 

even said that when they are biking certain places (e.g. to work) they will not take 

safety precautions if these measures add time to their commutes. 

"I know many places where you can make shortcuts [to cross the 

street], so if you know [how], you can do it." - New York bicyclist

"Sometimes I do [cross without using an intersection] ... and then 

continue when there are no cars coming." - Miami bicyclist

"When you come to a stop light ... you don't want to stop and waste 

all your energy, therefore you usually don't stop." - New York bicyclist

"I don't stop on the stop sign, just because I can see there are no 

cars." - Washington bicyclist

"You are always in a hurry to get to work." - Los Angeles bicyclist

"I crossed a stop sign without looking, and I only realized when I 

heard the horn of car." - Washington bicyclist

"Sometimes I have crossed on a red light and sometimes I go faster 

than the cars; I have put myself in danger." - Los Angeles bicyclist

"In the beginning, I was more careful." - Washington bicyclist

"Yes [I've rode a bicycle after drinking alcohol], because police are not 

going to stop me on the sidewalk." - Washington bicyclist

"I rode back one time from the island [after drinking alcohol], because 

you can't go in a car, but I got home safe." - New York bicyclist

"I have seen people on the beach [drink alcohol and ride their bikes]." 

- Miami bicyclist

"I have drunk beers at a friend's house and then ridden home." - Los 

Angeles bicyclist
Personal knowledge of accidents 

About half of these participants reported that they had knowledge of someone 

(including themselves) who had been involved in an accident while a bicyclist. These 

included personal incidents, incidents involving friends, family members and 

colleagues, and incidents they had observed. While pedestrians are sometimes 

involved, most crashes seem to occur between bicyclists and cars; however, 

bicyclists cite pedestrians as the cause of several crashes. These crashes occur quite 

often: one participant in New York reported that he personally had "near misses" 

daily. Indeed, the New York group reported more accidents than participants in any 

other city. Causes of accidents mentioned included car passengers opening doors in 

the path of bicyclists, poor road conditions, dogs, children running in front of 

bicyclists, and car drivers running red lights or not noticing bicyclists in crosswalks. 

Some accidents were reported to the police, but most were not. Hispanics appear to 

be less likely to report accidents for a variety of reasons. These include: Hispanics 

are less likely to know their rights or to have proper legal documents; Hispanics 

experience language barriers; some Hispanics are afraid of U.S. police; and, 

Hispanics may have a cultural belief that such crashes should not be handled by the 

police. 

"I have a friend who had a bad accident and went to the hospital for a 

few days. It was reported, but I really don't know what happened." - 

New York bicyclist

"A work colleague of mine was hit in the pathway when a car was 

turning. He had the light, so it was the car's fault." - Washington 

bicyclist

"My friend used to work delivering food and one night he got hit by a 

car." - Los Angeles bicyclist

"I was crossing in the green light, and the car was turning to the right, 

so it hit me. There were even more people crossing, but the car kept 

going ...I was thinking of so many things, but now I know I should 

have [reported the accident]." - Washington bicyclist

"I saw a bicyclist who ran a red light and was hit by a car. He flew 

away [car driver] and it was his fault." - Washington bicyclist

"I had an accident not too long ago. I still have pain in my hand, and it 

was because a little kid ran in the front of me and I hit a car." - New 

York bicyclist

"I was just starting to ride my bike and I didn't have much strength 

yet ... I lost my balance and hit a car." - Los Angeles bicyclist

"I also had an accident with a little kid that was playing in the street. I 

hit him, but it was not reported to the police. I also had a few 

encounters with the taxi drivers, especially with the passengers 

opening the doors to get off. Many times I have hit the doors; these 

were never reported because nothing happened." - New York bicyclist
"I crashed into a car door that someone opened in front of me. 

Nothing happened to me, but my front tire got a little bent." - Miami 

bicyclist

"I had an accident ... there was a hole I did not see." - Miami bicyclist

"I had an accident, but it was because there were rocks on the road." - 

New York bicyclist

"Many Hispanics do not know the rights they have, they also have 

problems with communications, and also many Hispanic immigrants, 

who do not have papers, do not report [accidents]." - New York 

bicyclist

"We don't have the language; we don't know the laws; we don't know 

what to do; we are at a disadvantage." - Washington bicyclist

"I think it's also cultural. Here everybody will report [an accident] or 

will sue, but we are not used to these type of procedures." - 

Washington bicyclist

"We are used to our countries ... a bicycle accident is taken care of 

between the families; it never goes to the police." - New York bicyclist

"We came from police who violated our rights, and we think that here 

it's going to be the same." - Washington bicyclist

"[Hispanics are less likely to report accidents] because they don't have 

papers." - Los Angeles bicyclist

"We are talking about ... Latinos who recently arrived here [fearing to 

report accidents], because if we talk about the ones that are here for 

many years, they are going to think a different way." - Washington 

bicyclist

Groups seen as most likely to be in an accident 

Overall, focus group participants reported children as most likely to be in an 

accident, but also mentioned new immigrants, seniors, and those who are less 

informed about the laws as being at increased risk. Hispanics are not seen as more 

likely to be in accidents than other groups. 

"[Children] do not take any precautions." - New York bicyclist

"[Children] are always distracted." - New York bicyclist

"[Children] are more intrepid at that age; they believe they are the 

owners of the road." - New York bicyclist
"The children; they do not wait ... [they think] nothing is going to 

happen, they run with that mentality." - Los Angeles bicyclist

"The children [are more likely to be in an accident], more than the 

new immigrants." -Washington bicyclist

"The seniors [are most likely to be in an accident]." - Los Angeles 

bicyclist

"I think it has more to do with the level of education, [which affects 

the likelihood of an accident]." - Washington bicyclist

General Hispanic cultural differences 

Focus group participants reported several general cultural differences that affect 

bicyclist safety in the Hispanic community. They say that the U.S. in general is quite 

different from Latino countries, including differences in language and weather. 

Additionally, these Hispanics reported that their culture encourages fatalism and risk 

taking, although they try to avoid accidents. They say that Hispanics often have 

more dangerous jobs than non-Hispanics, and that Hispanic neighborhoods in the 

U.S. are less safe because of limited respect for bicyclists, increased crime, and a 

higher population density. At the same time, they do not think that Hispanics are any 

different than anyone else, and some people feel safer in Hispanic neighborhoods. 

"We are in a place totally different to ours, [in] language, speed, 

weather." - New York bicyclist

"The immigrants take more risks, because they have to take whatever 

jobs are offered to them; they have no choice." - New York bicyclist

"If I'm going to have an accident, I'm going to have it. You don't die 

that day if it wasn't your day." - New York bicyclist

"We are daring. Sometimes we do things by ignorance, but that is not 

going to excuse me of the fault." - Washington bicyclist

"If we are in a hurry ... we still go faster, or if we get a yellow light, we 

cross it because that behavior is inside of us." - Washington bicyclist

"We came here with the habits of disorder, and, if we do not obey the 

law ... we create a risk situation." - Los Angeles bicyclist

"I take risks, but not because of a belief in destiny." - Los Angeles 

bicyclist

"If I can avoid [an accident] I will do it, because there are more 

important things to do." - New York bicyclist

"There are so many regulations in this country and the majority of 

people are going to obey them ... in Puerto Rico the drivers drive on 
the sidewalk ... so people know they have to take care of themselves. 

When they come here, they may think I am going to go because 

people are going to stop." - Los Angeles bicyclist

"[A Hispanic neighborhood] is less safe because we do not respect the 

laws." - Miami bicyclist

"In the Hispanic neighborhoods, everyone wants to have a car; there 

are fewer bicycles, and therefore nobody respects them." - New York 

bicyclist

"In the Hispanic neighborhoods, I have found that there are not places 

to ride, and that the road is in bad shape, [with] many holes." - New 

York bicyclist

"I think there is more traffic for the simple reason that we live with 

more people in the Hispanic neighborhoods, and therefore there are 

more cars." - Washington bicyclist

"[Hispanic neighborhoods] are less safe because there is more traffic." 

- Los Angeles bicyclist

"I feel safer in a Hispanic community than in others." - Los Angeles 

bicyclist

Differences in traffic between Latino countries and the 

U.S. 

These bicyclists seemed to agree that basic traffic laws are similar between the U.S. 

and their home countries, but also that laws are enforced more stringently in the 

U.S. Therefore, they report that many Hispanics are not used to obeying traffic laws. 

Additionally, automobile ownership is more common in the U.S., and many Latinos 

who immigrate to this country have never driven before, putting them at a 

disadvantage in understanding the behavior of cars. Additionally, Hispanics report 

that traffic and people move at a quicker pace in the U.S., and that they are not very 

familiar with some U.S. traffic signs. For example, walkways and crossways were 

unfamiliar to many of these participants, as are any signs where the text is only in 

English. Seasonal differences were also somewhat unfamiliar to these participants, 

most of whom come from warmer clients. A few respondents downplayed these 

differences, however. 

"I think the traffic code is international." - Miami bicyclist

"The signs are an international system ... the words are different, but 

a stop sign is a stop sign." - Los Angeles bicyclist

"The time that it takes the stoplight to change is longer here than in 

my country." -Washington bicyclist
"They are the same ... the difference between our countries and the 

United States is that here the people have more respect for the law." - 

Washington bicyclist

"In Ecuador, nobody respects the law ... but here if you see a 

policeman, you won't do your shortcut." - Los Angeles bicyclist

"The law here is applied." - Los Angeles bicyclist

"Here the difference is that you have to stop before crossing [a 

railroad track]." - Los Angeles bicyclist

"[Hispanics know less about traffic laws] because they don't know 

much English." - New York bicyclist

"The new immigrants that come to this country, many of them never 

drove a car before in their native countries. Therefore, they do not 

know the law." - Miami bicyclist

"The traffic here is different...the people are 100 times more 

accelerated." - New York bicyclist

"[The signs are difficult here,] especially the ones that have text in 

English." - New York bicyclist

"There are many signs [here] that I never saw before." - New York 

bicyclist

"The solid line where you can't go across the other lane; if the line has 

cuts you can go across. I did not have that in my country." - New York 

bicyclist, describing crosswalks

"The right to pedestrians [is a traffic signal that isn't used in other 

countries]." -Washington bicyclist

"The differences [in traffic signs] I have found are because of the 

seasons, like snow signs." - Washington bicyclist

"[Hispanics don't cross] any differently than other people." - Los 

Angeles bicyclist

Country of origin differences 

Participants agreed that although each Hispanic culture is unique, cultural differences 

as they pertain to bicycle safety are relatively minor. They report that Hispanics 

share much in terms of core traits, religion, and language. 

"It varies a little culturally, but after analyzing, almost everything is 

the same." - New York bicyclist
"There are differences according to your age and education." - Los 

Angeles bicyclist

"I don't think they [differences due to country of origin] are too big; 

we have the same religion, the same language, and we are under the 

same condition." - New York bicyclist

"We have more things in common than that make us feel different. I 

don't believe we want to take risks that aren't necessary." - Los 

Angeles bicyclist

"I believe that it's always different because we all come from different 

countries, and the streets are different, the experience is different, 

according to how you see it." - New York bicyclist

"The Mexicans take more risks than the Ecuadorians." - Los Angeles 

bicyclist

Safety solutions: Signs and pathways 

In thinking about these bicycle safety issues, participants felt it would be beneficial 

to have clear and helpful signs for bicyclists. They think these signs will be most 

helpful if they rely on graphics, and not text, to convey information. In addition, they 

felt that additional pathways for bicyclists would help them to avoid pedestrian and 

car accidents, and that these pathways need to be well marked. As noted above, and 

also in the pedestrian group, a better explanation of crosswalks and walkways for 

pedestrians and bicyclists would also be helpful for Hispanics. 

"[Create] more signs and more pathways for the bicycles." - Miami 

bicyclist

"Ride in the places marked for bicycles." - New York bicyclist

Safety solutions: Respect the traffic code 

Another common solution was the need for general respect and education among 

bicyclists. As was mentioned earlier, participants felt that it would be helpful to 

create a bicycle education class for new immigrants, where information could be 

disseminated in a way that is easily understood. Overall, they added that there must 

be a mutual respect on the roads between cars, bicycles, and pedestrians. They 

emphasized that bikers need to be alert, careful, and respectful. 

"[We need to have] education, and respect for the traffic laws." - 

Miami bicyclist

"Make a traffic code for the bicycles." - Miami bicyclist

"Always be alert and be careful." - Miami bicyclist

"Respect the space." - New York bicyclist
"Fine the bicyclists if they go fast on certain areas." - Los Angeles 

bicyclist

Overall interest 

Overall, participants expressed interest in this topic. However, traffic safety concerns 

are not as important as basic needs such as health, education, and immigration. 

Still, participants would be receptive to additional information on this topic, 

especially information designed for new immigrants where they perceive a great 

need. 

"I believe that we should be interested after listening to all the 

statistics and that someone should do something about it." - Miami 

bicyclist

"Yes [the Hispanic community will be interested], since the bicycle is 

used widely." - Washington bicyclist

"Riding a bicycle doesn't have any importance for Hispanics [compared 

to issues of housing, health, etc.]." - New York bicyclist

"I think it is important, but not as important as health." - Los Angeles 

bicyclist

Hispanics' suggestions for public outreach on this topic 

Participants mentioned several places they would like to see more information on 

this topic. These include: media outlets (radio, newspaper, television, and 

magazines); doctor's offices; churches; schools; community centers; bus shelters 

and other public transit areas; the Internet; supermarkets; libraries; Hispanic 

neighborhoods; motor vehicle offices; and, bike stores. They also thought that word 

of mouth would be a good way to spread this type of information. Advertising 

campaigns with commercials, posters, flyers, bumper stickers, and a bicycle race to 

raise awareness were also suggested as ways to reach the community. Participants 

also felt that it was important to produce manuals and maps for bicyclists with more 

information. Nearly all participants felt that materials should be bilingual, and they 

emphasized the need for "simple language messages, so that everybody can 

understand." They also thought materials should be specifically targeted to children. 

They expressed the desire for information on "laws," "precautions," "risks," and 

"positive and negative things about [being] a bicyclist." Finally, the education of 

drivers on bicycle safety was seen as critical. 

"I think that there is not enough information for the bicyclists that says 

here are the laws and this is what you can or cannot do." - Los 

Angeles bicyclist

"[We need] a complete guide, with the basic safety rules." - Los 

Angeles bicyclist
"I believe that when you are new to this country, you should take a 

course or read a book just as if you are taking the driver's license 

[test], so they should have one manual for bicycles." - New York 

bicyclist

"Information in all senses, TV, radio, newspaper, the soap operas, 

posters in Spanish, flyers, security manuals, advertisements in the city 

[should be a part of any campaign]." - New York bicyclist

"The best way will be in the schools, because most of the Hispanics go 

to school, so they should do bicycle classes." - Miami bicyclist

"Give away flyers at the stoplights, in the bus stops, etc., directly to 

the hands [of the bicyclists]." - Washington bicyclist

"The communications networks never talk about the bicycle riders." - 

Miami bicyclist

"First thing will be to know all the precautions in order to communicate 

them." -Washington bicyclist

"Give the number one law of the bicyclist, which is that the bumper of 

the bicyclist is the head." - Washington bicyclist

"They should have maps for bicycle routes." - Miami bicyclist

"Be defensive, be careful." "Never forget that you have a mother at 

home." - Los Angeles bicyclists, in conversation about what to tell 

people

"Ride a bicycle as if you were driving a car." - Miami bicyclist

"[Drivers should learn about bike safety] in the manual for the driver's 

license it says that the pedestrian and the bicyclist have the right to go 

first." - Washington bicyclist

"For example, [we need] a public ad that shows the potential danger 

of getting in front of a bicycle rider." - Los Angeles bicyclist

"All people who ride bicycles should be members of an association so 

they know about all the rules." - Los Angeles bicyclist

Back to Table of Contents

Appendix 

A. Moderator's Guide (English)

B. Moderator's Guide (Pedestrian Spanish)
C. Moderator's Guide (Bicycle Spanish)

D. Screening Form (English)

E. Screening Form (Spanish)

F. Traffic Signs Handout

Back to Table of Contents

Moderator's Guide (English) 

Federal Highway Administration

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Hispanic Bicyclists/Pedestrians in New York, Miami, Los Angeles, and DC

2004 

Moderator's Guide 

I. INTRODUCTION AND ICEBREAKER (10 minutes) 

A. Introduction and purpose 

Thank you for coming. Your presence and participation today are very 

important. My name is ____________ and I work for an independent 

communications company. I will be moderating today's discussion. 

The goal of this project is to understand better the attitudes that 

Hispanics have about bicycle/pedestrian safety. We want to talk to you 

about your thoughts, feelings, and reactions concerning this important 

topic. Your thoughts and comments will represent those of other 

Hispanics living throughout the United States. 

The feedback you will give us today is information we could not get 

anywhere else. Thank you for your willingness to come and give us 

your opinions. We think you'll enjoy talking about this important issue. 

B. Procedure 

Before we begin, I would like to start with some ground rules for our 

discussion today: 

1. Everyone's participation is important. 

2. There are no wrong answers. Please be completely honest. 

3. Our discussion today is being tape recorded. These recordings 

allow us to write a more complete report, and to make sure we 

accurately reflect your opinions. 

4. We want this to be a group discussion, so you don't need to 

wait for me to call on you to speak. However, please only speak 
one at a time, so that the tape recorder can pick up all your 

comments. 

5. Our discussion is totally confidential. We will not use your 

names in any report. I also want you to remind you that I work 

for an independent communications company, and not for any 

federal agency or law enforcement organization. Everything you 

say here will be used for research purposes only. 

6. [When applicable] I want you to know that I am working with 

some other people on this project, and they will be observing 

our conversation from the other side of this mirror. 

7. As moderator, my function is to keep the discussion focused on 

the subject. If I see that we are deviating from the subject, I 

will bring us back to the topic so we can finish on time. 

8. Please, turn all cell phones off and keep away any other object 

that might distract us from the discussion. 

C. Introductions 

Before we begin, I would like each of you to take a few moments to 

introduce yourself. Please tell the group: 

• Your name 

• Your country or origin 

• How long you have lived in the US 

II. GENERAL ATTITUDES ABOUT BICYCLE/PEDESTRIAN SAFETY (20 

minutes) 

Let's begin by talking a little bit about your daily life and activities. 

1. Tell me briefly about the places you go each day, including school, 

work, the bus stop, the grocery store, etc. How do you normally get 

there? 

2. Describe as much as possible the physical places you walk/ride. Are 

there stoplights, stop signs, bridges, intersections, tunnels, highways, 

etc. on the paths you normally take? 

3. [CA Pedestrian only: Do you ever walk along the railroad tracks? Do 

you know of anyone who does? When and why?] 

4. How long is the trip? What time of the day do you travel? Is there an 

alternate way you could get to these locations? 

5. What do you think makes a pedestrian/bicyclist safe? 

6. Do you know of any laws that exist regarding proper behavior for 

pedestrians/bicyclists? Tell me as much as you can about these laws. 
[Prompts: Should you walk/ride against or with traffic? Where should 

you cross an intersection?] 

7. Where do you learn about these laws? Do you think you would find out 

if a law changed? Why or why not? 

Thanks for sharing, this information is really helpful! 

II. RISK PERCEPTIONS AND ACCIDENT HISTORY (30 minutes) 

Now let's talk in a bit more detail about some of the situations you might 

encounter when walking/riding your bicycle. 

8. Do you think of your walks/rides as relatively safe or unsafe activities? 

Why or why not? 

9. When you are walking/biking, is there any part of your trip that makes 

you nervous or uncomfortable? Which parts, or why not? 

10. What precautions, if any, do you take to better protect yourself while 

walking/riding? [If not mentioned, prompt bicyclists for wearing of a 

helmet.] Probe: Have you ever worn reflective clothing or light colored 

clothing to make yourself more visible at night? Why or why not? 

[Probe for overall perceptions, concerns about appearance, cost, 

effectiveness, etc.] 

11. What about if you have to cross an especially busy intersection or 

roadway? Tell me more about any precautions you might take in this 

circumstance. 

12. Do you take any extra precautions if there is bad weather or if it is 

dark outside? If so, what precautions? 

13. (a.) Have you ever personally been in an accident while 

walking/biking? If yes, tell me more about it. What happened? Did you 

report it to the police? 

(b.) Have any of your family members or friends ever been involved in 

accidents while walking/biking? If so, what happened? Do you know if 

these accidents were reported to the police? 

14. Do you think Hispanics are less likely to report an accident? Why? 

[Probe: What do you think is Hispanic's general attitude concerning 

U.S. police officers? For example, is fear an issue?] 

15. Have you ever personally had any "near misses" while walking/biking? 

If so, please tell me about those. 

16. Based on your own personal experiences, who do you think is mostly 

likely to be involved in accidents such as these? For example, 

teenagers, adults, men, women, young children, seniors? Why? 
17. How much out of your way would you be willing to walk/ride to get to 

a safer place to cross a street? Does it depend on if you are in a hurry? 

18. A lot of times we do things in a hurry that we might not do otherwise. 

Have you ever crossed a busy street without looking, jay-walked, tried 

to cross a multi-lane highway, or done something else you knew was 

dangerous? Tell me about that incident. What did you do, and why? 

How much longer would it have taken you to get to a crosswalk or 

another safer place to cross? 

19. When you are walking/biking, what strategies, if any, do you use to 

monitor the behavior of other cars on the road? For example, how do 

you know, or would you know, if a car was going to turn in front of 

you? Do you try to make eye-contact with drivers to make sure they 

are aware of you? 

20. Sometimes, people walk/bike after consuming alcohol, because they 

don't want to drive their cars home, or for some other reason. Have 

you ever ridden your bicycle/walked a distance after consuming 

alcohol? Let me remind you that I do not work for a law enforcement 

agency; we just want to understand better what people do, your 

privacy will be protected. Can you tell me more about that incident? 

Thanks, that's great information. 

III. DISCUSSION OF CULTURAL AND OTHER DIFFERENCES (30 minutes) 

As you may know, Hispanics appear to be at greater risk for being involved in 

pedestrian/bicycle accidents, compared to non-Hispanics. I want to talk with 

you about why this might be. 

21. I want to talk about the differences that exist between your home 

country and the US regarding traffic rules, signs, customs, and 

behaviors. Let's start by talking about road signs. How are the signs 

here different than those in your home country? What signs are 

confusing? Are there any signs that are especially hard to understand, 

especially for recent immigrants? 

22. Is there more traffic in the US, or do people drive differently in this 

country, than in your home country? For example, do drivers yield to 

pedestrians/bicyclists in a different way than in your home country? 

How does this affect pedestrians/bicyclists? Probe: Are there different 

norms regarding how to cross the street in this country compared to 

your home country? If yes, what are they? 

23. [CA Groups Only: Are there differences between this country and your 

home country involving how to cross railroad tracks? What about 

regarding walking along railroad tracks? In your home country, are 

railroad tracks seen as a safe or unsafe place? What about in this 

country?] 
24. How might these differences put Hispanics at higher risks for 

accidents? 

25. Let's talk about some of the other factors that might lead Hispanics to 

be more likely to be involved in these accidents. For example, are 

Hispanics more willing to take risks? What kind of risks? 

26. Do you think Hispanic neighborhoods are less safe or have more and 

faster traffic than non-Hispanic neighborhoods? If yes, how so? 

27. Are there acculturation or language issues that might put Hispanics at 

greater risk? If yes, how so? For example, are recent immigrants at 

higher risk? Why or why not? 

28. Do you think Hispanics know less about U.S. traffic laws than nonHispanics? 

29. In many Hispanic countries, traffic laws are not enforced as strictly as 

they are in the U.S. Do you think Hispanics are less likely to obey 

traffic laws here? Why or why not? 

30. Some studies have shown that Hispanics tend to be somewhat 

fatalistic, that is, believing that fate controls their destiny. Do you 

think this effects Hispanic pedestrian/bicycle safety decisions or 

behaviors? Why or why not? 

31. Do you think the answers to these questions depend on whether 

someone is originally from Mexico, South America, Central America, 

Cuba, or Puerto Rico? If so, what differences exist and why? 

Great! This has been really helpful. 

IV. IDEAS FOR HOW TO EDUCATE OTHERS (15 minutes) 

Finally, we're going to discuss what we can do to make Hispanics more aware 

of pedestrian/bicycle safety issues. 

32. Let's start by talking about how interested you think other people 

might be in this topic. Let's say that over 1,000 Hispanic pedestrians 

die each year, and that Hispanic pedestrians are almost two times as 

likely as non-Hispanic pedestrians to die in this type of accident/ Let's 

say that over 100 Hispanic bicyclists die each year, and that Hispanic 

bicyclists are almost 1 and a half times as likely as non-Hispanic 

pedestrians to die. Do these numbers seem large or small to you? Are 

they surprising? Why or why not? 

33. Is this an issue you think the US Hispanic community would be 

interested in? 

34. Do you think pedestrian and traffic safety is a more important, less 

important, or equally important issue compared to education, health 
care, housing, alcohol/drug abuse, or other social issues that concern 

Hispanics? 

35. What do you think would be the best way to educate Hispanics about 

pedestrian/bicycle safety? 

36. If you wanted to learn more about this issue, where would you look for 

information? How about: [Probe for specific outlets, locations but don't 

spend too much time on repetitive answers] 

• Radio 

• Newspaper 

• Television 

• Magazines 

• Doctor's offices 

• Churches 

• Schools 

• Community Centers 

• Bus shelters and other public transit areas 

• The Internet 

• Advertisements 

• Posters 

• Word of mouth 

• Anywhere else? 

37. Would promotional and educational materials be most effective in 

English, in Spanish, or both languages (bilingual)? Does it depend on 

the audience? 

38. What would be the most effective way to reach you and other 

Hispanics with information about this topic? (leave if necessary) 

39. How would you summarize this issue for a friend or a family member? 

What advice would you give a friend or a family member to make 

him/her safer as a pedestrian/bicyclist? 

40. What advice should we give to drivers to increase their awareness 

about this issue? 

Thanks for your feedback! We just have a few final questions. 

V. FINAL COMMENTS AND THANK YOU (5 minutes)

41. Is there anything else about pedestrian/bicycle safety that we have 

not discussed today that you think is important? 

42. Finally, do you have any other questions or is there anything else you 

would like to say? 

Thank you for coming! Your feedback and thoughts have been very 

important, and we really appreciate your assistance. 
Back to Table of Contents

Moderator's Guide (Pedestrian Spanish) 

Federal Highway Administration

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Hispanic Pedestrians in New York, Miami, Los Angeles, and DC

2004 

Guía del Moderador - Peatones 

I. INTRODUCCIÓN Y ROMPEHIELO (10 minutos) 

A. Introducción y propósito 

Muchas gracias por venir. Su presencia y participación esta noche son 

muy importantes. Mi nombre es Nhora y trabajo en una compañía 

independiente de comunicaciones de salud y soy quien moderará la 

reunión de esta noche. 

Hoy estamos reunidos para conocer y entender sus percepciones y 

actitudes sobre la seguridad de peatones en el tráfico. Estamos 

interesados en conversar sobre sus opiniones, sentimientos y 

reacciones hacia este tema tan importante. Hoy ustedes representan 

un sector de la comunidad hispana nacional y es por eso que 

necesitamos escuchar sus opiniones. 

La información que nos proporcionen hoy no la podríamos obtener en 

otro sitio, así que gracias por venir. Creemos que este será un tema 

interesante para todos. 

B. Procedimientos y divulgaciones 

Antes de empezar, quiero darles algunas indicaciones para nuestra 

reunión: 

• La participación de todos ustedes es muy importante. 

• No hay respuestas incorrectas. Por favor, sean francos con sus 

opiniones. 

• Vamos a grabar la conversación de esta noche. La grabación 

nos permitirá escribir un informe más completo una vez que 

haya terminado la conversación, y asegurarnos que 

presentamos la información correcta en el informe. Por favor 

hablen uno a la vez y en voz alta para que la grabación sea 

más clara. 
• Queremos que esta sea una conversación de grupo, así que no 

esperen a que yo los llame para pedirle su opinión. Siéntanse 

libres de responder directamente a los comentarios de otro 

participante. 

• Nuestra discusión es enteramente confidencial, y solo será 

difundida entre las personas que están trabajando en este 

proyecto. No vamos a usar sus nombres en ningún informe, ni 

vamos a asociar sus nombres con comentarios específicos. 

También quiero recordarles que yo trabajo para una compañía 

independiente de comunicaciones, y no para ninguna agencia 

federal u organización del gobierno. Todo lo que digan aquí 

será utilizado solamente para propósitos de investigación. 

• [Si el cliente está presente] Estoy trabajando con otras 

personas en este proyecto, y ellas estarán observando nuestra 

conversación detrás del espejo. 

• Parte de mi función como moderadora será asegurarme de 

escuchar las opiniones de cada uno de ustedes, por lo que a 

veces les voy a pedir que sean breves con sus comentarios 

para darle la oportunidad a otra persona y para que se puedan 

ir a sus casas a tiempo. También trataré de mantenernos 

enfocados en el tema si veo que nos estamos desviando. 

• Por favor apaguen sus celulares y guarden cualquier otro objeto 

que pueda distraerlos de nuestra reunión. 

C. Presentaciones 

Antes de comenzar, quisiera que tomemos unos minutos para 

presentarnos. Por favor digan al grupo: 

• Su nombre 

• Su país de origen 

• Cuánto tiempo han vivido en los Estados Unidos. 

II. ACTITUDES GENERALES SOBRE LA SEGURIDAD DE 

PEATONES/CICLISTAS EN EL TRÁFICO (20 minutos) 

Por qué no empezamos hablando un poco sobre sus actividades cotidianas. 

1. Cuéntenme brevemente sobre los lugares a los que van todos los días, 

incluyendo el colegio o la universidad, el trabajo, la parada de 

autobús, el mercado, etc. ¿Cómo se transportan a los lugares donde 

van regularmente? 

2. Describan ahora en más detalle la ruta a los lugares a los que 

caminan. Por ejemplo, ¿hay semáforos y señales de tránsito en la 

ruta? [probe: ¿señales de "Pare"?] ¿Hay puentes, intersecciones, 

túneles, autopistas, etc., en la vía que toman? 
3. [Para peatones de CA solamente: ¿Alguna vez han caminado sobre 

los rieles del tren? ¿Conocen a alguien que si lo haga? ¿Cuándo y por 

qué lo hacen?] 

4. ¿Qué tan largo es el viaje? [probe: ¿qué tanto caminan?] ¿Durante 

cuáles horas del día van a estos sitios? ¿Hay rutas alternas que 

puedan tomar para llegar a estos lugares? 

5. ¿Qué cosas piensan ustedes que hace a un peatón más seguro en el 

tráfico? 

6. ¿Saben o conocen alguna ley que trate sobre el comportamiento 

apropiado de los peatones en el tráfico? Díganme lo que saben sobre 

estas leyes [Probe: ¿deberíamos caminar en la misma dirección que va 

el tráfico o en la dirección contraria? ¿Dónde se debería cruzar una 

intersección? 

7. ¿Cómo supieron de estas leyes? ¿Creen que si alguna de estas leyes 

cambia ustedes se enterarían? ¿Por qué o por qué no? 

Gracias por compartir sus opiniones. ¡Esta información nos será de mucha 

ayuda! 

II. PERCEPCION DE RIESGO E HISTORIAL DE ACCIDENTES (30 minutos) 

Ahora vamos a hablar en más detalle sobre las situaciones en las que se han 

visto involucrados al caminar. 

8. Cuando caminan, ¿hay alguna parte del viaje donde el tránsito los 

hace sentir nerviosos o incómodos? ¿Cuál parte? O ¿Por qué no? 

9. ¿Qué tipo de precauciones toman, si alguna, para protegerse mientras 

caminan? ¿Alguna vez han utilizado ropa brillante o que refleja o ropa 

de colores claros para que otros los puedan ver durante la noche? ¿Por 

qué o por qué no? [Pregunta sobre percepciones generales, 

preocupación sobre la apariencia, costo, efectividad, etc.] 

10. ¿Qué tal si tienen que cruzar una intersección o calle con mucho 

tráfico? Díganme sobre las precauciones que pueden tomar en esta 

circunstancia. 

11. ¿Toman precauciones extras para protegerse mientras caminan en la 

calle, autopista, etc. si hay mal tiempo o si está oscuro afuera? Si es 

así, ¿cuáles precauciones? 

12. (a.) ¿Alguna vez han estado involucrados en un accidente mientras 

caminaban? Si es así, háblenme más sobre eso. ¿Qué pasó? 

¿Reportaron el accidente a la policía? 

(b.) ¿Alguno de sus familiares o amigos han estado involucrados en 

accidentes mientras caminaban? Si es así, ¿qué pasó? ¿Saben si estos 

accidentes fueron reportados a la policía? 
13. ¿Piensan que los hispanos están menos dispuestos a reportar un 

accidente? ¿Por qué? [Probe: actitud general de los hispanos ante los 

oficiales de policía de los Estados Unidos. Por ejemplo, ¿existe miedo?] 

14. ¿Alguna vez han estado "a punto" de tener un accidente mientras 

caminaban? Si es así, por favor explíquenme más sobre lo sucedido. 

15. De acuerdo a sus propias experiencias, ¿quiénes creen ustedes que 

son más propensos a estar involucrados en accidentes como éstos? 

Por ejemplo ¿adolescentes, adultos, hombres, mujeres, niños, 

personas mayores? ¿Por qué? 

16. ¿Cuán lejos estarían dispuestos a desviarse de su ruta diaria para 

encontrar un sitio más seguro donde cruzar la calle? ¿Depende de si 

están apurados? 

17. Muchas veces cuando estamos apurados hacemos cosas que no 

haríamos cuando no lo estamos. ¿Alguna vez han cruzado una calle 

con tráfico sin mirar o sin utilizar la intersección, han cruzado una 

autopista o carretera de varios carriles o canales, o han hecho algo 

que sabían era peligroso? Cuéntenme sobre lo ocurrido en esa 

oportunidad. ¿Qué hicieron y por qué? ¿Cuánto tiempo les hubiera 

tomado llegar al paso de peatones o a otro lugar más seguro para 

cruzar? 

18. Cuando están caminando, ¿qué hacen para determinar la dirección 

hacia la que van los carros? Por ejemplo, ¿cómo saben o sabrían si un 

carro va a cruzar en frente de ustedes? ¿Tratan de tener contacto 

visual con los conductores para asegurarse de que los hayan visto? 

19. Algunas veces, la gente decide regresar caminando a sus casas 

después de haber consumido alcohol porque no quieren manejar, o por 

algún otro motivo. ¿Alguna vez han caminado cierta distancia luego de 

haber consumido alcohol? Déjenme recordarles que yo no trabajo para 

ninguna agencia policial o del gobierno, solo queremos entender mejor 

lo que la gente hace con frecuencia, así que su privacidad será 

protegida. ¿Y cómo les fue? ¿Qué pasó? 

Gracias por su ayuda. 

III. DIFERENCIAS CULTURALES Y OTRAS (30 minutos) 

Como ya sabrán, los hispanos tenemos un mayor riesgo de estar involucrados 

en accidentes de tráfico como peatones, comparado a otras personas. Me 

gustaría entonces hablar sobre el por qué esto puede estar ocurriendo: 

20. Me gustaría hablar sobre las diferencias que existen entre su país de 

origen y los Estados Unidos en relación a las leyes de tránsito, señales 

de tránsito, tradiciones y comportamientos. Vamos a comenzar a 

hablar sobre las señales de tránsito. ¿Cuán diferentes son las señales 

de tránsito de aquí a las de su país? ¿Cuáles señales son confusas? 

¿Hay algunas señales que sean específicamente difícil de entender, 
especialmente para inmigrantes nuevos en el país? [Repartir hoja 

con señales de tránsito o pedir que dibujen la señal si es 

necesario]

21. ¿Creen que hay más tráfico en los Estados Unidos o que la gente 

maneja diferente en este país, comparado al suyo? Por ejemplo, 

¿creen que los conductores aquí ceden el paso a los peatones en una 

manera distinta a la de su país? ¿Cómo afecta esto a los peatones? 

Probe: ¿Hay normas para cruzar las calles aquí distintas o nuevas a las 

de su país? Si es así, ¿cuáles son esas? 

22. [CA solamente: ¿Hay normas para cruzar los rieles del tren aquí 

distintas a las de su país? ¿Y normas para caminar por los rieles? En 

su país, ¿son los rieles vistos como lugares seguros o inseguros? ¿Y en 

este país? 

23. ¿Cómo podrían estas diferencias poner a los hispanos en alto riesgo de 

tener un accidente? 

24. Ahora vamos a hablar sobre otros factores que podrían poner a los 

hispanos en alto riesgo de tener un accidente. Por ejemplo, ¿creen que 

los hispanos están más dispuestos a tomar riesgos? ¿Qué tipo de 

riesgos? [probe: cruzar la calle mientras la luz verde está encendida, 

etc.] 

25. ¿Piensan que es menos seguro en los vecindarios o barrios hispanos 

que en otros vecindarios? ¿O piensan que los vecindarios hispanos 

tienen más tráfico o tráfico que viaja más rápido que en otros sitios? Si 

es así, ¿cómo es eso? 

26. ¿Existen problemas del idioma o diferencias culturales en los patrones 

de tránsito que podrían poner a los hispanos en mayor riesgo de tener 

un accidente? Si es así, ¿cómo es eso? Por ejemplo, ¿son los nuevos 

inmigrantes más propensos a tener un accidente? ¿Por qué o por qué 

no? 

27. ¿Piensan que los hispanos saben menos sobre las leyes de tránsito de 

los Estados Unidos que otras personas? 

28. muchos países latinoamericanos, las leyes de tránsito no se hacen 

cumplir tan estrictamente como en Estados Unidos. ¿Ustedes piensan 

que los hispanos están menos dispuestos a obedecer las leyes de 

tránsito de este país? ¿Por qué o por qué no? 

29. Algunos estudios han demostrado que los hispanos tienden a ser algo 

fatalistas, o sea, algunos creen que la vida está sujeta al destino. 

¿Ustedes creen que esto afecta de alguna manera las decisiones o 

acciones de los hispanos que caminan? ¿Por qué o por qué no? 

30. ¿Piensan que las respuestas a estas preguntas dependen de si una 

persona es de otra nacionalidad o región en América Latina? Por 

ejemplo, México, Suramérica, Centroamérica, Cuba o Puerto Rico. Si 

es así, ¿qué diferencias existen y por qué? 
Gracias por su ayuda. 

IV. IDEAS PARA EDUCAR A OTROS (15 minutos) 

Finalmente, vamos a hablar sobre las cosas que podemos hacer para alertar a 

otros hispanos sobre su seguridad en el tráfico. 

31. Vamos a comenzar hablando sobre el interés que puedan tener otras 

personas sobre este tema. 

• Digamos que más de 1.000 peatones hispanos mueren cada 

año, y que los peatones hispanos tienen dos veces más de 

probabilidad de morir en este tipo de accidente que otros 

peatones. ¿Les parece que estos números son altos o bajos? 

¿Los sorprende? 

32. ¿Ustedes creen que la comunidad hispana está interesada en darle 

atención a un problema como este? ¿Por qué o por qué no? 

33. ¿Les parece que la seguridad vial es un problema más, menos o 

igualmente importante comparado al de educación, salud, vivienda, 

abuso de alcohol o drogas, u otros problemas sociales que preocupan 

a muchos hispanos? 

34. ¿Cuál piensan es la mejor manera de educar a la comunidad hispana 

sobre la seguridad de peatones en el tráfico? 

35. Si quisieran aprender más sobre este tema, ¿a dónde irían para buscar 

más información? [pide información detallada: nombres de sitios, 

medios de comunicación, pero no pierdas tiempo en respuestas 

repetitivas] 

¿Qué tal? 

• Radio 

• Periódico 

• Televisión 

• Revistas 

• Consultorios 

• Iglesias 

• Escuelas; colegios; universidades 

• Centros comunitarios 

• Paradas de autobús u otros sitios de transporte público 

• Internet 

• Afiches 

• A través de amigos 

• ¿Algún otro sitio? 

36. ¿Los materiales promocionales y de educación serían más efectivos en 

inglés, en español, o en ambos idiomas (bilingües)? ¿Creen que 

depende de la audiencia? 
37. [si es necesario preguntar] ¿Cuál sería la manera más efectiva de 

llegar a ustedes y al resto de la comunidad hispana con información 

sobre este tema? 

38. ¿Cómo le explicarías este tema a un amigo(a)? ¿Qué consejos le darías 

a tu amigo(a) para que éste(a) tome precauciones como peatón? 

39. ¿Qué consejos deberíamos darle a los conductores de automóviles 

para que estén más al tanto de lo que está sucediendo? 

¡Gracias por su ayuda! Solo tengo un par de preguntas finales. 

V. COMENTARIOS FINALES Y GRACIAS (5 minutos)

40. ¿Hay algo más sobre la seguridad de peatones en el tráfico que no se 

haya mencionado hoy y que crean sería importante mencionar? 

41. Para terminar, ¿tienen alguna pregunta o comentario final? ¿Quisieran 

añadir algo? 

Esas son todas mis preguntas. Muchas gracias por su tiempo. Sus 

comentarios y opiniones han sido de gran ayuda por lo que apreciamos su 

asistencia. 

Back to Table of Contents

Moderator's Guide (Bicycle Spanish) 

Federal Highway Administration

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Hispanic Bicyclists in New York, Miami, Los Angeles, and DC

2004 

Guía del Moderador - Ciclistas 

I. INTRODUCCIÓN Y ROMPEHIELO (10 minutos) 

A. Introducción y propósito 

Muchas gracias por venir. Su presencia y participación esta noche son 

muy importantes. Mi nombre es Nhora y trabajo en una compañía 

independiente de comunicaciones de salud y soy quien moderará la 

reunión de esta noche. 

Hoy estamos reunidos para conocer y entender sus percepciones y 

actitudes sobre la seguridad de ciclistas en el tráfico. Estamos 

interesados en conversar sobre sus opiniones, sentimientos y 

reacciones hacia este tema tan importante. Hoy ustedes representan 
un sector de la comunidad hispana nacional y es por eso que 

necesitamos escuchar sus opiniones. 

La información que nos proporcionen hoy no la podríamos obtener en 

otro sitio, así que gracias por venir. Creemos que este será un tema 

interesante para todos. 

B. Procedimientos y divulgaciones 

Antes de empezar, quiero darles algunas indicaciones para nuestra 

reunión: 

• La participación de todos ustedes es muy importante. 

• No hay respuestas incorrectas. Por favor, sean francos con sus 

opiniones. 

• Vamos a grabar la conversación de esta noche. La grabación 

nos permitirá escribir un informe más completo una vez que 

haya terminado la conversación, y asegurarnos que 

presentamos la información correcta en el informe. Por favor 

hablen uno a la vez y en voz alta para que la grabación sea 

más clara. 

• Queremos que esta sea una conversación de grupo, así que no 

esperen a que yo los llame para pedirle su opinión. Siéntanse 

libres de responder directamente a los comentarios de otro 

participante. 

• Nuestra discusión es enteramente confidencial, y solo será 

difundida entre las personas que están trabajando en este 

proyecto. No vamos a usar sus nombres en ningún informe, ni 

vamos a asociar sus nombres con comentarios específicos. 

También quiero recordarles que yo trabajo para una compañía 

independiente de comunicaciones, y no para ninguna agencia 

federal u organización del gobierno. Todo lo que digan aquí 

será utilizado solamente para propósitos de investigación.

• [Si el cliente está presente] Estoy trabajando con otras 

personas en este proyecto, y ellas estarán observando nuestra 

conversación detrás del espejo. 

• Parte de mi función como moderadora será asegurarme de 

escuchar las opiniones de cada uno de ustedes, por lo que a 

veces les voy a pedir que sean breves con sus comentarios 

para darle la oportunidad a otra persona y para que se puedan 

ir a sus casas a tiempo. También trataré de mantenernos 

enfocados en el tema si veo que nos estamos desviando. 

• Por favor apaguen sus celulares y guarden cualquier otro objeto 

que pueda distraerlos de nuestra reunión. 
C. Presentaciones 

Antes de comenzar, quisiera que tomemos unos minutos para 

presentarnos. Por favor digan al grupo: 

• Su nombre 

• Su país de origen 

• Cuánto tiempo han vivido en los Estados Unidos. 

II. ACTITUDES GENERALES SOBRE LA SEGURIDAD DE 

CICLISTAS/CICLISTAS EN EL TRÁFICO (20 minutos) 

Por qué no empezamos hablando un poco sobre sus actividades cotidianas. 

1. Cuéntenme brevemente sobre los lugares a los que van todos los días, 

incluyendo el colegio o la universidad, el trabajo, la parada de 

autobús, el mercado, etc. ¿Cómo se transportan a los lugares donde 

van regularmente? 

2. Describan ahora en más detalle la ruta a los lugares a los que van en 

bicicleta. Por ejemplo, ¿hay semáforos y señales de tránsito en la 

ruta? [probe: ¿señales de "Pare"?] ¿Hay puentes, intersecciones, 

túneles, autopistas, etc., en la vía que toman? 

3. ¿Qué tan largo es el viaje? [probe: ¿qué tanto andan en bicicleta?] 

¿Durante cuáles horas del día van a estos sitios? ¿Hay rutas alternas 

que puedan tomar para llegar a estos lugares? 

4. ¿Qué cosas piensan ustedes que hace a un ciclista más seguro en el 

tráfico? 

5. ¿Saben o conocen alguna ley que trate sobre el comportamiento 

apropiado de los ciclistas en el tráfico? Díganme lo que saben sobre 

estas leyes [Probe: ¿deberíamos andar en bicicleta en la misma 

dirección que va el tráfico o en la dirección contraria? ¿Dónde se 

debería cruzar una intersección? 

6. ¿Cómo supieron de estas leyes? ¿Creen que si alguna de estas leyes 

cambia ustedes se enterarían? ¿Por qué o por qué no? 

Gracias por compartir sus opiniones. ¡Esta información nos será de mucha 

ayuda! 

II. PERCEPCION DE RIESGO E HISTORIAL DE ACCIDENTES (30 minutos) 

Ahora vamos a hablar en más detalle sobre las situaciones en las que se han 

visto involucrados al andar en bicicleta. 
7. Cuando andan en bicicleta, ¿hay alguna parte del viaje donde el 

tránsito los hace sentir nerviosos o incómodos? ¿Cuál parte? O ¿Por 

qué no? 

8. ¿Qué tipo de precauciones toman, si alguna, para protegerse mientras 

andan en bicicleta? Probe: ¿Alguna vez han utilizado ropa brillante o 

que refleja o ropa de colores claros para que otros los puedan ver 

durante la noche? ¿Por qué o por qué no? [Pregunta sobre 

percepciones generales, preocupación sobre la apariencia, costo, 

efectividad, etc.] 

9. ¿Qué tal si tienen que cruzar una intersección o calle con mucho 

tráfico? Díganme sobre las precauciones que pueden tomar en esta 

circunstancia. 

10. ¿Toman precauciones extras para protegerse mientras andan en 

bicicleta en la calle, autopista, etc. si hay mal tiempo o si está oscuro 

afuera? Si es así, ¿cuáles precauciones? 

11. (a.) ¿Alguna vez han estado involucrados en un accidente mientras 

andaban en bicicleta? Si es así, háblenme más sobre eso. ¿Qué pasó? 

¿Reportaron el accidente a la policía? 

(b.) ¿Alguno de sus familiares o amigos han estado involucrados en 

accidentes mientras andaban en bicicleta? Si es así, ¿qué pasó? 

¿Saben si estos accidentes fueron reportados a la policía? 

12. ¿Piensan que los hispanos están menos dispuestos a reportar un 

accidente? ¿Por qué? [Probe: actitud general de los hispanos ante los 

oficiales de policía de los Estados Unidos. Por ejemplo, ¿existe miedo?] 

13. ¿Alguna vez han estado "a punto" de tener un accidente mientras 

andaban en bicicleta? Si es así, por favor explíquenme más sobre lo 

sucedido. 

14. De acuerdo a sus propias experiencias, ¿quiénes creen ustedes que 

son más propensos a estar involucrados en accidentes como éstos? 

Por ejemplo ¿adolescentes, adultos, hombres, mujeres, niños, 

personas mayores? ¿Por qué? 

15. ¿Cuán lejos estarían dispuestos a desviarse de su ruta diaria para 

encontrar un sitio más seguro donde cruzar la calle? ¿Depende de si 

están apurados? 

16. Muchas veces cuando estamos apurados hacemos cosas que no 

haríamos cuando no lo estamos. ¿Alguna vez han cruzado una calle 

con tráfico sin mirar o sin utilizar la intersección, han cruzado una 

autopista o carretera de varios carriles o canales, o han hecho algo 

que sabían era peligroso? Cuéntenme sobre lo ocurrido en esa 

oportunidad. ¿Qué hicieron y por qué? ¿Cuánto tiempo les hubiera 

tomado llegar al paso de ciclistas o a otro lugar más seguro para 

cruzar? 
17. Cuando andan en bicicleta, ¿qué hacen para determinar la dirección 

hacia la que van los carros? Por ejemplo, ¿cómo saben o sabrían si un 

carro va a cruzar en frente de ustedes? ¿Tratan de tener contacto 

visual con los conductores para asegurarse de que los hayan visto? 

18. Algunas veces, la gente decide regresar a sus casas en bicicleta 

después de haber consumido alcohol porque no quieren manejar, o por 

algún otro motivo. ¿Alguna vez han andado en bicicleta cierta distancia 

luego de haber consumido alcohol? Déjenme recordarles que yo no 

trabajo para ninguna agencia policial o del gobierno, solo queremos 

entender mejor lo que la gente hace con frecuencia, así que su 

privacidad será protegida. ¿Y cómo les fue? ¿Qué pasó? 

Gracias por su ayuda. 

III. DIFERENCIAS CULTURALES Y OTRAS (30 minutos) 

Como ya sabrán, los hispanos tenemos un mayor riesgo de estar involucrados 

en accidentes de tráfico como ciclistas, comparado a otras personas. Me 

gustaría entonces hablar sobre el por qué esto puede estar ocurriendo: 

19. Me gustaría hablar sobre las diferencias que existen entre su país de 

origen y los Estados Unidos en relación a las leyes de tránsito, señales 

de tránsito, tradiciones y comportamientos. Vamos a comenzar a 

hablar sobre las señales de tránsito.¿Cuán diferentes son las señales 

de tránsito de aquí a las de su país? ¿Cuáles señales son confusas? 

¿Hay algunas señales que sean específicamente difícil de entender, 

especialmente para inmigrantes nuevos en el país? [Repartir hoja 

con señales de tránsito o pedir que dibujen la señal si es 

necesario]

20. ¿Creen que hay más tráfico en los Estados Unidos o que la gente 

maneja diferente en este país, comparado al suyo? Por ejemplo, 

¿creen que los conductores aquí ceden el paso a los ciclistas en una 

manera distinta a la de su país? ¿Cómo afecta esto a los ciclistas? 

Probe: ¿Hay normas para cruzar las calles aquí distintas o nuevas a las 

de su país? Si es así, ¿cuáles son esas? 

21. [CA solamente: ¿Hay normas para cruzar los rieles del tren aquí 

distintas a las de su país? ¿Y normas para andar en bicicleta por los 

rieles? En su país, ¿son los rieles vistos como lugares seguros o 

inseguros? ¿Y en este país? 

22. ¿Cómo podrían estas diferencias poner a los hispanos en alto riesgo de 

tener un accidente? 

23. Ahora vamos a hablar sobre otros factores que podrían poner a los 

hispanos en alto riesgo de tener un accidente. Por ejemplo, ¿creen que 

los hispanos están más dispuestos a tomar riesgos? ¿Qué tipo de 

riesgos? [probe: cruzar la calle mientras la luz verde está encendida, 

etc.] 
24. ¿Piensan que es menos seguro en los vecindarios o barrios hispanos 

que en otros vecindarios? ¿O piensan que los vecindarios hispanos 

tienen más tráfico o tráfico que viaja más rápido que en otros sitios? Si 

es así, ¿cómo es eso? 

25. ¿Existen problemas del idioma o diferencias culturales en los patrones 

de tránsito que podrían poner a los hispanos en mayor riesgo de tener 

un accidente? Si es así, ¿cómo es eso? Por ejemplo, ¿son los nuevos 

inmigrantes más propensos a tener un accidente? ¿Por qué o por qué 

no? 

26. ¿Piensan que los hispanos saben menos sobre las leyes de tránsito de 

los Estados Unidos que otras personas? 

27. En muchos países latinoamericanos, las leyes de tránsito no se hacen 

cumplir tan estrictamente como en Estados Unidos. ¿Ustedes piensan 

que los hispanos están menos dispuestos a obedecer las leyes de 

tránsito de este país? ¿Por qué o por qué no? 

28. Algunos estudios han demostrado que los hispanos tienden a ser algo 

fatalistas, o sea, algunos creen que la vida está sujeta al destino. 

¿Ustedes creen que esto afecta de alguna manera las decisiones o 

acciones de los hispanos que andan en bicicleta? ¿Por qué o por qué 

no? 

29. ¿Piensan que las respuestas a estas preguntas dependen de si una 

persona es de otra nacionalidad o región en América Latina? Por 

ejemplo, México, Suramérica, Centroamérica, Cuba o Puerto Rico. Si 

es así, ¿qué diferencias existen y por qué? 

Gracias por su ayuda. 

IV. IDEAS PARA EDUCAR A OTROS (15 minutos) 

Finalmente, vamos a hablar sobre las cosas que podemos hacer para alertar a 

otros hispanos sobre su seguridad en el tráfico. 

30. Vamos a comenzar hablando sobre el interés que puedan tener otras 

personas sobre este tema. 

• Digamos que más de 100 ciclistas hispanos mueren cada año, y 

que los ciclistas hispanos tienen una vez y media más de 

probabilidad de morir en este tipo de accidente que otros 

ciclistas. ¿Les parece que estos números son altos o bajos? 

¿Los sorprende? 

31. ¿Ustedes creen que la comunidad hispana está interesada en darle 

atención a un problema como este? ¿Por qué o por qué no? 

32. ¿Les parece que la seguridad vial es un problema más, menos o 

igualmente importante comparado al de educación, salud, vivienda, 
abuso de alcohol o drogas, u otros problemas sociales que preocupan 

a muchos hispanos? 

33. ¿Cuál piensan es la mejor manera de educar a la comunidad hispana 

sobre la seguridad de ciclistas en el tráfico? 

34. Si quisieran aprender más sobre este tema, ¿a dónde irían para buscar 

más información? [pide información detallada: nombres de sitios, 

medios de comunicación, pero no pierdas tiempo en respuestas 

repetitivas]

¿Qué tal? 

• Radio 

• Periódico 

• Televisión 

• Revistas 

• Consultorios 

• Iglesias 

• Escuelas; colegios; universidades 

• Centros comunitarios 

• Paradas de autobús u otros sitios de transporte público 

• Internet 

• Afiches 

• A través de amigos 

• ¿Algún otro sitio? 

35. ¿Los materiales promocionales y de educación serían más efectivos en 

inglés, en español, o en ambos idiomas (bilingües)? ¿Creen que 

depende de la audiencia? 

36. [si es necesario preguntar] ¿Cuál sería la manera más efectiva de 

llegar a ustedes y al resto de la comunidad hispana con información 

sobre este tema? 

37. ¿Cómo le explicarías este tema a un amigo(a) o familiar? ¿Qué 

consejos le darías a tu amigo(a) o familiar para que éste(a) tome 

precauciones como ciclista? 

38. ¿Qué consejos deberíamos darle a los conductores de automóviles 

para que estén más al tanto de lo que está sucediendo? 

¡Gracias por su ayuda! Solo tengo un par de preguntas finales. 

V. COMENTARIOS FINALES Y GRACIAS (5 minutos) 

39. ¿Hay algo más sobre la seguridad de ciclistas en el tráfico que no se 

haya mencionado hoy y que crean sería importante mencionar? 

40. Para terminar, ¿tienen alguna pregunta o comentario final? ¿Quisieran 

añadir algo? 
Esas son todas mis preguntas. Muchas gracias por su tiempo. Sus 

comentarios y opiniones han sido de gran ayuda por lo que apreciamos su 

asistencia. 

Back to Table of Contents

Screening Form (English) 

RECRUITMENT SCREENING QUESTIONNAIRE

FHWA/NHTSA Hispanic Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety 

2004

SCREENER FOR SPANISH-SPEAKING 

HISPANIC OR LATINO MEN AND WOMEN

 

Name: _______________________________________________ 

Street Address: ________________________________________________ 

City: _____________________________ State: ________ Zip: __________ 

Telephone Number (Home): ____________________ (Work): _________________ 

Inclusion Criteria: 

• Male; Female 

• Hispanic/Latino 

• Over the age of 18, mix of ages, at least one person per group over age 

60 

• Any education level; any income level 

• Walks a half mile or more two or more times per week, or bicycles once 

or more per week 

• Spanish-speaking 

Hello, my name is ___________ and I'm calling on behalf of a company that is doing 

research on traffic safety. I want to assure you, we are not selling anything, and 

your answers are completely confidential. We are doing focus groups in your area on 

___________ [DC: March 30, NY: April 1, MIA: April 5, LA: April 8], and participants 

in the focus groups will earn $75 for their time. Do you have a few minutes to 

answer some brief questions to find out if you are eligible to participate?

(No) [SKIP TO CLOSE OR ARRANGE A TIME TO CALL BACK] 

(Yes) [CONTINUE] 
INDICATE GENDER: 

(Female) 

(Male) 

I'd like to start by asking you some questions about your background: 

1. May I ask your age? _____ 

• ( ) Under 18 [SKIP TO CLOSE] 

• ( ) 18-29 [CONTINUE] 

• ( ) 30-39 [CONTINUE] 

• ( ) 40-49 [CONTINUE] 

• ( ) 50-59 [CONTINUE] 

• ( ) 60-69 [CONTINUE] 

• ( ) 70-79 [CONTINUE] 

• ( ) 80 or older [CONTINUE] 

[Need at least one person over age 60 in each group, ideally 2 per group]

2. Would you describe yourself as: 

• ( ) Hispanic or Latino [CONTINUE] 

• ( ) White, not of Hispanic origin [SKIP TO CLOSE] 

• ( ) Black, not of Hispanic origin [SKIP TO CLOSE] 

• ( ) Asian [SKIP TO CLOSE] 

• ( ) Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander [SKIP TO CLOSE] 

• ( ) American Indian or Alaskan Native [SKIP TO CLOSE] 

• ( ) Other [SKIP TO CLOSE] 

3. How often do you speak Spanish at home? Would you say you speak Spanish: 

• ( ) All of the time [CONTINUE] 

• ( ) More than half the time [CONTINUE] 

• ( ) Some of the time [CONTINUE] 

• ( ) Rarely [SKIP TO CLOSE] 

4. Can you tell me where you were born in? (Recruit a mix of U.S. and non-U.S. 

born, with more born outside than inside the U.S.): 

• ( ) The United States [CONTINUE] 

• ( ) Mexico [CONTINUE] 

• ( ) Puerto Rico [CONTINUE] 

• ( ) Cuba [CONTINUE] 

• ( ) Central America [CONTINUE] 

• ( ) South America [CONTINUE] 

• ( ) Other [CONTINUE] 

5. What is the highest level of education you have completed? 

• ( ) Less than high school graduate [CONTINUE] 
• ( ) High school graduate/GED [CONTINUE] 

• ( ) Some college [CONTINUE] 

• ( ) College degree [CONTINUE] 

• ( ) Graduate or professional degree [CONTINUE] 

6. Could you please give me an estimate of your annual household income? 

Would you say it is: 

• ( ) Less than $15,000 per year [CONTINUE] 

• ( ) Between $15,000-$25,000 per year [CONTINUE] 

• ( ) Between $25,000-$40,000 per year [CONTINUE] 

• ( ) Between $40,000-$60,000 per year [CONTINUE] 

• ( ) More than $60,000 per year [CONTINUE] 

7. In a typical week, how often do you ride a bicycle in an urban area? For 

example, biking to the grocery store, biking from your home to the bus stop, 

or biking to work. 

• ( ) Never [CONTINUE] 

• ( ) Once [INVITE BIKE] 

• ( ) More than once [INVITE BIKE] 

8. In a typical week, how many days do you walk a half mile or more outdoors, 

that is, about ten or more minutes continuously? For example, walking to the 

grocery store, walking to the bus stop, or walking to work. 

• ( ) Never [SKIP TO CLOSE] 

• ( ) One day [SKIP TO CLOSE] 

• ( ) Two to three days [INVITE WALK] 

• ( ) Four to five days [INVITE WALK] 

• ( ) Six to seven days [INVITE WALK] 

INVITATION

Thank you for answering our questions. As I said earlier, we are conducting research 

on traffic safety. 

We would like to invite you to participate in a small group discussion on 

BIKE:

• DC: March 30, 5-7 pm 

• NY: April 1, 7:30-9:30 pm 

• MIA: April 5, 5-7 pm 

• LA: April 8, 7:30-9:30 pm 
WALK:

• DC: March 30, 7:30-9:30 pm 

• NY: April 1, 5:00-7:00 pm 

• MIA: April 5, 7:30-9:30 pm 

• LA: April 8, 5:00-7:00 pm 

consisting of about 8 other people like yourself and a moderator. The session will be 

conducted in Spanish. This is not a sales meeting. No one will try to sell you 

anything; we are only interested in your opinions. Your thoughts will help us better 

understand people's attitudes about traffic safety. The discussion will last about two 

hours, and we will give you $75 for your participation. 

Would you be willing to participate in such a discussion? 

• (Yes) [Continue INVITATION] 

(No) [SKIP TO CLOSE] 

Great! In the next few days, we will send you a packet of information that includes 

directions to the facility as well as a reminder about the date and time of the 

discussion. If you can't attend this meeting, will you please call us at 1-800-565-

4352/301-565-0770 so that we can find someone to replace you? [Wait for answer] 

May I verify the correct spelling of your name, as well as your correct address and 

phone number so that we may send you the confirmation letter? [Refer to the top of 

the page] 

We'll also call you the night before the discussion to remind you about this group. It 

is very important that you arrive on time. Thank you very much for accepting our 

invitation. We look forward to hearing your thoughts and opinions. Have a nice day. 

CLOSE

Thank you for taking the time to talk to us. I'm sorry, but you will not be eligible to 

participate in our study. We will call you again if we have another opportunity in your 

area. Have a nice day. 

Back to Table of Contents

Screening Form (Spanish) 

RECRUITMENT SCREENING QUESTIONNAIRE

FHWA/NHTSA Hispanic Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety 

2004

SCREENER FOR SPANISH-SPEAKING 

HOMBRES Y MUJERES HISPANOS O LATINOS
 

Nombre: _______________________________________________ 

Dirección Física: ________________________________________________ 

Ciudad: _____________________________ Estado: ________ Código postal: 

__________ 

Número de teléfono (Casa): ____________________ (Trabajo): 

_________________ 

Inclusion Criteria: 

• Hombre; mujer 

• Hispanic/Latino 

• Mayor de 18 años, mezcla de edades, por lo menos una persona del 

grupo mayor de 60 años 

• Sólo un par o 3 personas de nivel alto de educación, el resto tiene 

que tener un nivel bajo; cualquier nivel de ingreso 

• Camina media milla o más, dos o más veces por semana, o maneja 

bicicleta una o más veces por semana. 

• Que hable español 

Hola, me llamo_____ y estoy llamando de parte de una compañía que está haciendo 

un estudio sobre la seguridad de peatones y ciclistas en el tráfico. Le aseguro que no 

estamos vendiendo nada y que sus respuestas serán totalmente confidenciales. El 

grupo se reunirá el [DC:Marzo 30, NY:Abril 1, MIA:Abril 5, LA:Abril 8]. Aquellas 

personas que califiquen y puedan participar recibirán $75.00 en agradecimiento por 

su tiempo. ¿Tiene algunos minutos para responder algunas preguntas breves y así 

verificar si es elegible para participar?

(No) [ Pasar al CIERRE O PIDA OTRA HORA PARA VOLVER A LLAMAR] 

(Yes) [CONTINUAR] 

INDIQUE EL GENERO: 

(Femenino) 

(Masculino) 

Me gustaría comenzar por hacerle algunas preguntas: 

1. Podría preguntarle su edad? _____ 

• ( ) Menor de 18 [Pasar al CIERRE] 

• ( ) 18-29 [CONTINUAR] 

• ( ) 30-39 [CONTINUAR] 

• ( ) 40-49 [CONTINUAR] 

• ( ) 50-59 [CONTINUAR] 

• ( ) 60-69 [CONTINUAR] 

• ( ) 70-79 [CONTINUAR] 
• ( ) 80 or older [CONTINUAR] 

[Se necesita por lo menos una persona mayor de 60 años en cada grupo, 

idealmente 2 por grupo]

2. Usted se considera: 

• ( ) Hispano o Latino [CONTINUAR] 

• ( ) Blanco, no de origen Hispano [Pasar al CIERRE] 

• ( ) Afro-americano, no de origen Hispano [Pasar al CIERRE] 

• ( ) Asiático [Pasar al CIERRE] 

• ( ) Nativo de Hawaii o de otra Isla del Pacífico [Pasar al CIERRE] 

• ( ) Indio Americano o nativo de Alaska [Pasar al CIERRE] 

• ( ) Otro [Pasar al CIERRE] 

3. ¿Con qué frecuencia habla español en casa? Usted diría que habla español: 

• ( ) Todo el tiempo [CONTINUAR] 

• ( ) Más de la mitad del tiempo [CONTINUAR] 

• ( ) Algunas veces [CONTINUAR] 

• ( ) Raramente [Pasar al CIERRE] 

4. ¿Podría decirme dónde nació? (Reclute una mezcla de personas nacidas en 

EEUU y de personas no nacidas en EEUU., la mayoría debería ser nacida fuera 

de los EEUU, en vez de en los EEUU): 

• ( ) Los Estados Unidos [CONTINUAR] 

• ( ) Mexico [CONTINUAR] 

• ( ) Puerto Rico [CONTINUAR] 

• ( ) Cuba [CONTINUAR] 

• ( ) América Central [CONTINUAR] 

• ( ) Sur América [CONTINUAR] 

• ( ) Otro [CONTINUAR] 

5. ¿Cuál es el último nivel de educación que ha obtenido? 

• ( ) No graduado de la escuela secundaria [CONTINUAR] 

• ( ) Diploma de escuela secundaria/GED [CONTINUAR] 

• ( ) Algo de universidad [CONTINUAR] 

• ( ) Título universitario [CONTINUAR] 

• ( ) Postgrado [CONTINUAR] 

6. ¿Me podría dar un estimado del ingreso anual de su hogar? Usted diría que 

es: 

• ( ) Menos de $15,000 al año [CONTINUAR] 

• ( ) Entre $15,000-$25,000 al año [CONTINUAR] 

• ( ) Entre $25,000-$40,000 al año [CONTINUAR] 
• ( ) Entre $40,000-$60,000 al año [CONTINUAR] 

• ( ) Más de $60,000 al año [CONTINUAR] 

7. ¿Con cuánta frecuencia usted monta bicicleta en un área urbana, durante una 

semana normal? Por ejemplo, anda en bicicleta para ir al supermercado, para 

ir de su casa a la parada de buses o para ir a su trabajo. 

• ( ) Nunca [CONTINUAR] 

• ( ) Una vez a la semana [INVITA AL GR. CICLISTAS]

• ( ) Más de una vez a la semana [INVITA AL GR. CICLISTAS]

8. ¿Cuántos días en una semana normal usted camina media milla o más al aire 

libre, esto es, alrededor de diez o más minutos continuos? Por ejemplo, 

camina para ir al supermercado, a la parada de buses o al metro o al trabajo. 

• ( ) Nunca [Pasar al CIERRE] 

• ( ) Un día [Pasar al CIERRE] 

• ( ) Dos o tres días [INVITA AL GR. PEATONES]

• ( ) De cuatro a cinco días [INVITA AL GR. PEATONES]

• ( ) De seis a siete días [INVITA AL GR. PEATONES]

INVITACION

Gracias por contestar nuestras preguntas. Como le dije hace un momento, estamos 

realizando un estudio sobre la seguridad de peatones y ciclistas en el tráfico. 

Nos gustaría que participe en un grupo pequeño el: 

CICLISTAS:

• DC: Martes, 30 de Marzo, de 5:00- 7:00 de la noche 

• NY: Jueves, 1 de Abril, de 7:30 - 9:30 de la noche 

• MIA: Lunes, 5 de Abril, de 5:00 - 7:00 de la noche 

• LA: Jueves, 8 de Abril, de 7:30 - 9:30 de la noche 

PEATONES:

• DC: Martes, 30 de Marzo, de 7:30 - 9:30 de la noche 

• NY: Jueves, 1 de Abril, de 5:00 - 7:00 de la noche 

• MIA: Lunes, 5 de Abril, de 7:30 - 9:30 de la noche 

• LA: Jueves, 8 de Abril, de 5:00 - 7:00 de la noche 

que consistirá de 8 personas como usted y una moderadora. La charla se llevará a 

cabo en español. Esta no es una reunión de ventas; nadie tratará de venderle nada. 

Sus opiniones son muy importantes y nos ayudarán a determinar las actitudes de las 

personas frente a la seguridad de peatones y ciclistas en el tráfico. La reunión durará 
aproximadamente dos horas. Le ofreceremos una cena ligera y le entregaremos $75 

por su participación al final de la discusión. 

¿Entonces, cree que podrá asistir? 

• (Sí) [Continue INVITATION] 

(No) [Pasar al CIERRE] 

¡Excelente! En los próximos días, le enviaremos una carta con toda la información 

que necesita para asistir a la reunión, incluyendo instrucciones para llegar al local y 

la confirmación de la fecha y hora de la reunión. Si por cualquier motivo tiene que 

cancelar su participación, por favor, llámenos al 1-800-565-4352 o al 301-565-0770 

con anticipación para que podamos encontrar su reemplazo. [Esperar a que 

respondan] 

¿Me permite verificar su nombre y dirección, así como su número de teléfono, para 

enviarle la carta de confirmación y llamarla(o) el día antes para recordarle la 

reunión? [Anota la dirección al inicio de este cuestionario.] 

La reunión comenzará a tiempo así que es importante que llegue por lo menos media 

hora o 45 minutos antes para que tenga tiempo de tomar un refrigerio. Muchas 

gracias por aceptar nuestra invitación; la(o) esperamos el 30, 1, 5, 8. ¡Que tenga un 

buen día! 

CIERRE

Gracias por tomarse el tiempo para hablar con nosotros. Lo siento mucho, pero usted 

no será elegible para participar en nuestro estudio. Nosotros entraremos en contacto 

con usted nuevamente, cuando se presente otra oportunidad en su área. ¡Que tenga 

un buen día! 

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Traffic Signs Handout for Group Discussion 

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