Preventative Measures to Avoid Bicycle Accident Injuries

Cycling has grown in popularity over the last ten years, with great reason. Over the past five years alone, the number of cyclists in the United States rose from around 51 million to more than 66 million. In addition to the physical benefits that cycling offers by providing an excellent, low impact workout for all of the major muscle groups, cyclists can realize financial benefits when they choose to ride instead of driving. According to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, Americans spend approximately $9,000 annually commuting to and from work, and these costs can be greatly reduced by cycling to work some or all of the time.

Unfortunately, since cyclists must share the road with much larger and heavier vehicles, they are at risk of serious injury when they are involved in car accidents. For any cyclist, bicycle injuries are an ever-present threat, especially in larger cities.

Only a small percentage of the population uses bicycles in their daily transportation, but they experience accident-related injuries at a significantly higher rate than those traveling by motor vehicle. In 2015, approximately 1,000 bicyclists died in motor vehicle collisions, and there were nearly 467,000 bicycle-related injuries. Other notable statistics include:

• Children and adolescents account for more than one third of all bicycle-related injuries.
• Adults in their 50s have the highest bicycle death rates.
• The highest percentage of bicyclist deaths occur in urban areas and at non-intersection locations.
• Bicyclist deaths represented 2.3% of all 2015 traffic fatalities.
• 37% of bicyclist deaths involved alcohol.

Motor vehicles have the advantage of encapsulating the driver and passengers within plastic and steel, and they include a number of safety features designed to protect their occupants from injury. During a collision between a bicycle and a car, it is typically the cyclist who experiences more severe injuries. Cyclists must take all necessary precautions to avoid injury and death, because even one small misstep on behalf of a negligent driver can result in tragedy. The following precautions decrease the likelihood of bicycle injury:

• Wear a properly fitted helmet, regardless of age.
• Ensure you have the right size bike for your stature.
• Wear fluorescent clothing during daytime hours.
• Wear reflective clothing at night.
• Add lighting to the bicycle such as a red or white blinking light.

Unfortunately, no amount of preparation will completely eradicate the possibility of injury from a negligent driver. In California, every bicycle rider has the same rights to the road as a motor vehicle, yet drivers often fail to safely share the road with bicycles. If you sustained an injury as a result of a negligent driver, Corsiglia McMahon & Allard, L.L.P. will work hard to protect your rights and earn you the compensation you deserve. Contact a San Jose, CA bicycle injury attorney at (408) 289-1417 today to set up your free personalized consultation.

• Bicycle Safety
• Share of cyclists/bike riders in the United States in 2018, by age
• 11 Ways Cycling Can Save You Money
• Highlights of US statistics available from the US Department of Transportation Based on 2015 data. (released in June, 2017 and still the most recent).