Bicycle Accident Statistics
There’s no doubt that the number of people riding bicycles has grown exponentially over the past decade. In fact, in a landmark study commissioned by PeopleForBikes found that about more than 103 million people rode bikes in 2014. The study, entitled “U.S. Bicycling Participation Benchmarking Report” found that 57 percent of bike riders rode for recreation, and 53 percent would like to ride more, but the vast majority are worried about being hit by a vehicle and would like to see bicycle lanes and vehicle lanes physically separated.
Those wannabe cyclists have good reason to worry. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), while the number of fatal traffic crashes is decreasing, the number of bicyclists who are killed in motor vehicle crashes on public roadways has increased by at least 19 percent since 2010.
The sad fact is the majority of bicycle accidents are caused by motor vehicle drivers who fail to notice bicyclists on the road. According to the NHTSA’s most recent statistics, in 2013, an estimated 48,000 bicyclists were injured in motor vehicle accidents and 743 were killed, comprising about 2 percent of all traffic accident fatalities and injuries. Sadly, another 720 bicyclists died in motor vehicle crashes in 2014. According to statistics from PedBikeInfo, motor vehicles continue to be a significant threat to cyclists all over the country. Of all bicyclist’s deaths from vehicle accidents in 2014:
- 65 percent occurred at non‐intersections
- 62 percent occurred on major roadways other than interstates and freeways.
- 31 percent occurred on minor roads.
- The average age of cyclists killed is 44, up from 32 in 1998
- 83 percent are male.
- alcohol was a factor in 29 percent of fatal crashes, with either the rider or the driver having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher. *source
A 2012 survey published by the NHTSA, the most common sources of bicyclist injuries were:
- 29 percent involved a motor vehicle
- 13 percent involved dangerous roadways or walkways
- 13 percent involved rider error
- 4 percent involved a dog/animal
Common Bicycle/Motor Vehicle Accidents
Like most motorcycle accidents involving motor vehicles, one of the most common accident scenarios involves a driver cutting off cyclists by making a left‐hand turn. Other dangerous circumstances include:
- Dangerous Road Conditions
- Intersection collisions
- Passing too close
- Lane changes and merging
- Backing into Traffic
- Open Door
Common Bicycle Traffic Accident Injuries
Some of the most common injuries we see when cars, trucks, SUVs, and commercial vehicle collide with bicycles include:
- concussions
- closed head injuries
- arm and leg fracture
- internal injuries
- contusions and severe abrasions
These injuries can require trauma care, extensive testing, and long‐term treatment and therapy. The medical bills incurred for these injuries can be significant and many times the injured rider is unable to return to work for an extended period of time resulting in lost wages, and an increasing financial loss.
If you have been injured in a bicycle/motor vehicle accident, call our firm today.