Many federal and local governments have encouraged their citizens to use alternative and sustainable forms of transportation. Riding bicycles has become more commonplace as people are turning to green solutions.
With the increase of cyclists sharing the roads, has come more accidents, injuries and deaths. When a vehicle and a bicycle find themselves in an accident, the bicyclist has obvious disadvantages.
Statistics about bicycle accidents
There are many reasons that bicycle accidents happen. Being proactive and aware can help to decrease the risk. Here are a few statistics from the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) that every rider should be aware of:
- Time: The majority of bicycle fatalities happen between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
- Location: 78% of bicyclist deaths occurred in urban areas, while only 22% occurred in rural areas.
- Gender: Men are six times more likely to be killed in a bicycle accident than women.
- Intoxication: One out of four bicycle deaths occurred when the rider was under the influence of alcohol.
All citizens have equal rights and access to public roadways, but bicyclists can feel like there is a target on their backs.
Is it safer to ride bicycles with other cyclists?
Bicyclists find safety in numbers according to research published by Science Direct. Safety in Numbers (SiN) is a phenomenon that occurs when riders are in small groups. The likelihood of accidents is decreased when riding with others. The scientific reasons are still unclear, but the statistics seem to indicate there is a correlation.
When a bicyclist is injured or killed by the negligence of a motorist, It’s important to look into all available avenues for the compensation you deserve.