Examining the Rise in U.S. Bicycle Fatalities

Helmets, Bike Paths, and Safety, are Concerns for Pedalcyclists

Jan 12, 2009

With approximately 100 million Americans bicycling for transportation, exercise, or to "go green," the significance of increased bicycle fatalities bears examining.

The National Center for Statistics and Analysis, a division of the National Highway Traffic Safety tracks multiple statistics for traffic accidents. The 697 bicyclists killed nationwide and another 43, 000 injured in 2007 is alarming. The following states had increased pedalcyclist deaths within the past 2 years . The year 2008 has not yet been completely tallied.

* Florida (Florida Department of Highway Safety statistics are triple digit consecutively for the past 8 years).

Portland Oregon and Davis, California had no fatalities despite a large number of people biking. Past excuses of drunken drivers (DUI stats are down 10%)and warmer climate causing more accidents because of more biking (northern Europe has greater populations biking all year) explain little. Narrow roads alone don’t cause accidents nor do wider streets cause speeding which cause accidents.

Helmets Have Been a Controversial Topic for Bike Riders

Most bike crashes involve head injuries. Helmet use among bicyclists with serious injuries in US was low. http://www.helmets.org/stats.htm. Helmets either represent safety or government control depending which person asked.

States with no helmet law are many. A complete list is updated by the Governors Highway Safety Association but it is noted the most accurate statistics come from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, http://www.iihs.org/laws/HelmetUseCurrent.aspx

Twenty-one states have modified helmet laws. Washing ton DC, New Jersey, New York, and Florida typify those areas with laws pertaining to those under 16 years of age only.

Studies from northern European countries like Denmark and the Netherlands (www.cykelhjelm.org) sometimes denounce helmets as a major safety factor. Some believe vision might be hindered, drivers pass closer, or fewer people ride and the more who cycle, the safer the experience.

Bike paths

Florida with 119 bike fatalities in 2007, is working to reduce the high numbers and has begun to lay down bike trails through woods and parks as many states have done or are doing. Sometimes the paths are multi- use with pedestrians and sometimes elevated above the road. The roads themselves are being marked with lines designating areas safe to bike or at least allowed to bike as the photos below illustrate.

Danish and other European studies cited on Cycle path safety: A summary of research debate whether bike paths may actually impair traffic safety. The combination of moped riders, pedestrians and bicyclists increased accidents. There must be a distinction between pedestrian pathways and pedalcyclist pathways in busy areas. People walk in cities and they ride bikes. Accidents occurred mainly at intersections. Colored bike paths seemed to help the must. Denmark now colors in the section of road completely blue to allow the cyclist room and the automobile driver the visual impact of no car zone. Intersections are completely blue. Red markings are used in Dutch cities. Separating the bike zone physically from the road by curb or elevation s seems to increase safety along with the perception of safety.

More Cyclists on the Road Result Paradoxically in Fewer Accidents.

The Commission for Integrated Transport of Great Britain analyzed cycling fatality in Denmark, and the Netherlands, noting 20% fewer bicycle deaths than in US. Although there are many factors to evaluate such as less distance to travel on bike, flat terrain, and smaller cars, with more biking riders comes experience, both for the rider and the vehicle driver. They become aware of each other. Then the city planning naturally incorporates functional paths for cyclists. Roadways are designed to incorporate integrated bike lanes as opposed to simply marking off a section of the road for a bike way, confusing both cyclist and car driver, especially at intersections. Of course while the death statistics are high in a state like Florida, many might still be reluctant to bike.

Cycle Groups are Lobbyists for Improvements.

Driver awareness, helmets,and pathways for all modes of transportation, will improve bicycle safety. Google any state bicycle or cycle organization for state laws, clubs, tours, links, information and bike riding activity.

The copyright of the article Examining the Rise in U.S. Bicycle Fatalities in Cycling & Mountain Biking is owned by Amy Andersen. Permission to republish Examining the Rise in U.S. Bicycle Fatalities in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.