Analyzing Bicycle Accident Statistics

Bicycling is one of the best ways to enjoy lovely Southern California, and the combination of beaches, great weather and many bike paths make for a cyclist’s paradise. With other cyclists, motorists and pedestrians to worry about it certainly is not the safest hobby, but there are things you can do to minimize the risk. Here are some bicycle accident statistics, provided by the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute (released in 20210):

• 630 cyclists died on the roadways in 2009 in the United States—this is down from 718 in 2008. There were 1,003 fatalities in 1975.
• 2% of all traffic fatalities in 2009 were from bicycle accidents.
• 51,000 cyclists were injured in bicycle accidents in 2009, up from 43,000 in 2007.
• The average age of a cyclist killed in an accident is 41.
• The average age of a cyclist injured in an accident is 31.
• 93 cyclists aged 15 and under died in 2009, 13,000 suffered injury.
• 168 cyclists ages 16-34 died, 20,000 injured.
• Alcohol was involved in 37% of cyclist fatalities in 2008.
• 23% of all cyclists killed were legally drunk.

These stats are not meant to scare away cyclists, but rather to make sure you take all precautions and follow all bicycle safety laws.

Bonnici Law Group, APC—San Diego personal injury attorney.