Safety Statistics and Risks
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Fatalities: Nearly 1,000 bicyclists die annually in crashes involving a motor vehicle in the United States.
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Location: Most bicyclist deaths (nearly three-quarters) occur in urban areas.
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Time: Over half (56%) of fatal crashes happen in dawn, dusk, or night-time conditions.
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High-Risk Groups: Adults aged 55–69 have the highest bicycle death rates, while adolescents aged 10–14 have the highest rates of non-fatal injuries treated in emergency departments.
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The majority of bicyclist fatalities occur at non-intersection locations (62%), where higher speeds may be involved.
Video: How to Fit a Bike Helmet
Key Safety Practices for Bicyclists
Following traffic laws and using appropriate gear are critical for staying safe while riding.
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Wear a Helmet: A properly fitted helmet should be worn on every ride, as it significantly reduces the risk of head and brain injuries.
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Be Visible:
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Wear brightly colored clothing for daytime riding.
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Use reflective, light-colored clothing at night or in poor visibility.
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Equip your bicycle with a white front headlamp and a red rear light or reflector for riding in darkness or twilight.
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Follow Traffic Laws: As a bicyclist on public streets, you must follow the same rules as other vehicle drivers.
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Ride with the flow of traffic on the right side of the road.
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Obey traffic lights, signs, and signals.
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Use hand signals when turning.
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Ride in dedicated bike lanes when available.
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Stay Alert: Avoid distractions like using headphones in both ears and be aware of traffic and potential road hazards.
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Inspect Your Bike: Regularly check that your brakes, tires, and chain are in good working condition.
Drivers Should Share the Road
Sharing the road safely with bicyclists is a shared responsibility, and drivers play a critical role in preventing accidents. Since a car weighs significantly more than a bike, drivers must be extra mindful of a cyclist's vulnerability.
Here are the most important ways drivers can safely share the road with bicyclists:
Give Space and Pass Safely
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Give a Wide Berth: When passing a bicyclist, you must give them plenty of room, treating them like any other slow-moving vehicle. Over 20 states have laws requiring drivers to give at least 3 feet of clearance when passing.
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Pass Only When Safe: Only pass a bicyclist when it is safe to do so and be aware that they may need to suddenly react to hazards like potholes or debris.
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Do Not Tailgate: Avoid following a bicycle too closely behind.
Be Alert, Especially at Intersections
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Look Twice for Turns: Before making a turn, look carefully for approaching bicyclists, especially when making a right turn or merging into a bike lane. Bicycles can move faster than you might expect.
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Avoid "Dooring": Before opening your car door when parked on the street, check your mirror and look over your shoulder for oncoming cyclists to prevent opening your door into their path.
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Respect Bike Lanes: Never park in a bike lane. When traveling next to or crossing a bike lane, use extra caution, as bicyclists in the bike lane have the right of way.
Respect Cyclist Rights and Behavior
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Bicyclists are Vehicles: Understand that cyclists 10 years and older are considered vehicles on the road, meaning they have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists and must obey all signs and signals.
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They Can "Take the Lane": Be prepared for bicyclists to use the entire lane if they need to, as they are entitled to do so, particularly for safety reasons (e.g., avoiding obstacles, preparing for a left turn).
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Be Patient: Adjust your attitude and be patient. Avoid distractions like mobile devices.
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