Many California residents enjoy going on bike rides or taking walks to get to where they are going. Some enjoy doing those activities just so they can stay healthy. For anyone who is walking or biking, staying safe is a paramount concern. It is important for pedestrians and bicyclists to take proper precautions. It is equally as important for motorists to be careful around pedestrians and bicyclists. When you consider the staggering statistics, it is easy to see just how important safety is.
How many bicyclists are killed each year?
In the United States, there were 732 bicycling fatalities and 45,000 injuries in 2001. In 2011, that number was down to 682 deaths and 48,000 injuries, but the following year, it was up to 726 deaths and 49,000 injuries.
When considering all traffic accidents involving injury or death, just over 2 percent were bicycle accidents. That might not seem like a lot, but bicycle trips account for only 1 percent of the trips in the country.
It is important to note that not all bicycle accidents are caused by vehicles. Only 29 percent of bicyclists’ injuries are because of being hit by a car. Seventeen percent of injuries on a bicycle were caused by falling, 13 percent by rider error and 13 percent because of roadways not being in good repair.
When a bicyclist is injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, the bicyclist can take action against the person who was negligent. Compensation can help to cover medical bills and other costs associated with the accident.
Source: Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, “Pedestrian and Bicyclist Crash Statistics” Dec. 02, 2014
