Alaska Bicycle Accident Statistics
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 818 pedalcyclists died nationwide in bicycle accidents during 2015. Alaska was one of only a few states to have NO deaths from bicycle crashes that year. The total number of traffic-related deaths in the state that year was 65.
The lack of bicycle fatalities is surprising since the state does not have a universal bicycle helmet law. However, several local municipalities have enacted bicycle helmet laws. You should always check with local law enforcement to determine the rules for your area.
Alaska’s Efforts to Promote Bicycle Safety
Even though Alaska did not have any deaths from bicycle accidents in 2015, this is not the case for previous years. In addition, injuries from bicycle crashes are a serious problem in some areas of the state. Therefore, there are programs that promote safe biking in Alaska.
The Bike-n-Walk Safely Alaska program works to help keep bicyclists safe by encouraging them to use reflective, high-visibility products to help increase the time a driver has to avoid an accident with a bicyclist. The program distributes reflective materials in addition to providing safety training and school demonstrations for students. It works with communities to promote safety between bicyclists and motor vehicles.
The Alaska Injury Prevention Center (AIPC) has several programs aimed at making Alaska safe for bicyclists. In addition, the Alaska Safe Kids organization has several programs designed to increase awareness of the safety issues related to bicycling and children. For children who ride bicycles or walk to school, the Alaska Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program helps children and parents plan the safest route to school.
For more information on bicycle safety, you can visit the following websites:
- AIPC
- Municipality of Anchorage
- AAA Exchange
- Alaska Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan
You can also check with your local government to obtain information about local programs and information for bicyclists.