by Riding a bicycle is undoubtedly one of the most liberating experiences. It offers a sense of freedom and connection with the environment that’s hard to match and is also an eco-friendly mode of transportation.
As more and more US citizens opt for two wheels over four, there’s a growing concern: Are bicyclists still safe on U.S. streets?
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just thinking about starting, you’ve probably noticed the increasing number of bikes on the road.
Unfortunately, this rise in cycling popularity has brought with it a surge in accidents and safety concerns.
Such a lingering threat is bound to discourage people from using bicycles altogether. After all, safety comes first, right? Today, we’re here to examine the extent of the threat bicyclists face on the streets of the US.
Are Bicyclists No Longer Safe on the U.S. Streets?
[Picture Credit: Unsplash.com]
Let’s get started.
Bicyclist Safety In The US – The Current Scenario
The booming cycling culture in the United States reflects a shift towards greener, healthier lifestyles. And while that’s a good thing for both the people and the planet, the safety of bicyclists has emerged as a hot new problem.
Springs Law Group notes that cyclists face daily risks riding in the streets filled with cars and trucks.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) observes how, in the absence of any occupant protection, cyclists face a greater threat on roads.
They’re also more susceptible to other outdoor elements, including road and weather conditions.
According to the NHTSA, the number of cyclist fatalities has seen a remarkable upward trend since 2010.
Between 2010 and 2021, the number of crashes involving bicyclists has climbed from 623 to 966. In 2021, they accounted for 2.2% of the total traffic fatalities. While that might sound insignificant to some of you, trust us when we say that it’s a lot.
And unlike other road crashes, bicycle accidents have little to do with intersections. 62% of these accidents took place in non-intersection areas.
Do you realize what this means? The thought of bicyclist safety seldom crosses the minds of other motorists, which sadly heightens the risks of such crashes.
And while some cities are stepping up with ambitious plans to make streets safer for cyclists, it’s just not enough.
What Causes The Most Bicycle Accidents in the US?
So far, we agree that more needs to be done to make streets safer for bicyclists in the US.
But how would that be achieved? Diving headfirst into the major contributors of these crashes can certainly help recognize the pain points better.
In this section, we aim to do exactly that. Here are three leading contributors to bicycle accidents across the country:
Distracted Driving – A Threat On the Rise
With the advent of smartphones and in-car technologies, drivers are more prone to distractions than ever before.
Whether it’s texting, checking emails, using GPS, or even eating, these distractions can significantly impair a driver’s ability to focus on the road.
A cyclist’s fatal accident in Colorado Springs earlier this year serves as a perfect example. A car driver got distracted – either by their phones or something else – in broad daylight, veering into the bike lane of the street.
As a result, Wen Dolphin, a cyclist riding safely within his lane, was hit from behind and thrown off the bike. Dolphin broke several bones in the accident, including his pelvis, shoulder, and back.
The serious injuries altered his life forever, while the culprit remained seated safely in his car.
If you ever find yourself at the receiving end of such a brutal oversight, you mustn’t let it go. It is this passivity that encourages more casual behavior among the motorists. If not for your own sake, then for the sake of other cyclists’ safety, file a personal injury lawsuit.
We realize it might be too much to ask from some of you; not everyone is equipped to handle the legalities of lawsuits by themselves.
That’s where a Colorado Springs personal injury lawyer comes in. They can provide the expert assistance you need to navigate through the legal maze of lawsuits and teach the culprit a lesson.
Separate Bike Lanes – Not All Cities Have It
We agree that some US cities have made strides in developing dedicated cycling infrastructure. However, there are still many places where cyclists must share the road with motor vehicles, posing a considerable safety risk.
And that’s not even all. The presence of bike lanes alone will not ensure cyclists’ safety; these lanes also need to be protected. Take the case of Miami, for instance. While the city has over 200 bike lanes, less than 1% of them are protected.
When these unprotected bike lanes fall on busy roads with cars turning and pausing frequently, cyclists are no longer safe even in their presence. This is exactly what’s happening in Miami; and what’s the outcome? The city’s bicycle fatalities are five times that of the entire nation.
While bike lanes are meant to benefit traffic, communities, and the environment, if they can’t keep cyclists safe, what’s even their point?
Driving Under Influence
While driving under the influence of alcohol puts everyone on the road in danger, cyclists are particularly vulnerable to it.
Because their rides offer little to no protection from collision, they face elevated risks of injuries – even death.
A recent news article highlighted the same problem. Elise Elder, a 23-year-old Florida resident, ended up killing a cyclist while driving under the influence of alcohol on July 1.
While Elise was driving back home through the Evans Carry Bridge, she failed to see Martin Drummond on his bicycle.
As a result, she struck Drummond’s bike fatally, thereafter dragging the bike nearly to her residence. By the time the emergency services arrived at the scene, the 67-year-old was dead.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What safety guidelines can cyclists follow for safety on the roads?
Cyclists can enhance their safety on the roads by prioritizing wearing a helmet for head protection. Additionally, they can obey traffic laws and signals, ride in the same direction as traffic, and avoid distractions like headphones. Staying vigilant for potential hazards is also important.
- Are e-bikes safer than regular bikes?
No, they aren’t. E-bikes can reach higher speeds more easily, which might increase the risk of accidents if not managed carefully. Their added weight can affect handling and braking distance. However, safety ultimately depends on the rider’s experience, adherence to traffic laws, and use of protective gear.
- Which US state is the safest for bicyclists?
Massachusetts is the safest US state for cyclists in the US. In 2022, the Codfish State was ranked first in the nation for its efforts toward building a Bicycle Friendly America. On the contrary, the most dangerous states for cyclists include Oklahoma, Montana, Alaska, Texas, New Hampshire, and Kansas.
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Conclusion:
The risks that cyclists face on the streets of the US are immense. It’s the joint responsibility of both motorists as well as the government to work towards changing this grim picture by making streets more bicycle-safe.
