Biking is not only a form of exercise but a hobby many enjoy. It is good for one’s health, and the environment. However, riding can be quite dangerous, and accidents involving bicycles, especially in traffic, are often fatal.
As more people continue to pick up cycling as a sport or form of transport, bicyclists need to know the activity’s risk factors. Raising awareness will help reduce the probability of accidents that may cause injuries and death.
In 2019, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported 846 cyclist deaths from the total tally of traffic accidents. With these numbers growing each year, bicycle safety is becoming a concern.
The US roads are not safe for cyclists. Statistics have revealed that cyclist accidents increased by nearly 35 percent in 2010. Furthermore, 2018 saw the highest recorded bicycle accident rates in ten years. It is estimated that cyclists contribute to about two percent of total motorist crash deaths.
Researchers at UCSF reported medical expenses for adults from cyclist injuries totalled $237 billion in 2017. Throughout their research, from 1997 to 2013, the number of accidents was 3.8 million, with 9,839 deaths. Notably, three-quarters of these victims were men.
Cyclists are always at greater risk when it comes to crashes than motorists. In 2008, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that 25 percent of cyclist accidents involved bicyclists between the age of 45 and 54. This figure was shocking as riders in this age bracket are expected to be more careful than younger cyclists.
Further research showed that another 20 percent of bicycle accidents occurred in riders between the age of 10 and 15. Young cyclists hardly observe road rules and do not wear any safety gear to protect them from injuries. Therefore, it is risky for young cyclists to ride bicycles close to traffic.
The number of casualties from bicycle accidents has generally decreased since helmet laws were implemented in most states. They have helped protect riders from head injuries that mostly cause victims’ deaths. However, most middle-aged riders still do not wear helmets.
Fatality facts released in 2020 showed that 57 percent of bicyclists who died from crashes did not have helmets. Moreover, 61 percent of these accidents happened on major highways. It was also noted that bicycle accidents peaked in the evening and early morning hours.
Safety Guidelines For Cyclists
The NHTSA has provided the following safety guidelines for cyclists to safeguard them on roads.
- Always wear a helmet when riding and other protective gear like knee and elbow pads
- Wear reflective clothing to make you visible to other motorists
- Ensure your bicycle is roadworthy with functioning brakes
- Ride a bicycle of the right fit
- Follow the same rules as other motorists
- Use both hands when riding
- Tuck all loose clothing and tie shoelaces to prevent them from getting caught in your bicycle
Takeaways
“Cyclists should be more careful on the roads as they are at a greater risk of sustaining fatal injuries from accidents” says Felix Gonzalez. Regardless of age and gender, they should pay more attention to road safety rules, and wear the right gear. Remember that as a cyclist, you are not exempted from following traffic rules when riding on highways.
