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Bicycle accidents in North America remain a significant concern, with thousands of cyclists injured or killed on the roads each year.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 857 cyclists were killed in traffic crashes in the United States in 2018, representing a 6.3% increase from the previous year. Additionally, an estimated 47,000 cyclists were injured in traffic crashes in 2018 [1].

Similarly, in Canada, the number of cyclists killed in traffic crashes increased by 14% between 2016 and 2017, according to the Canadian Institute for Health Information. In 2017, 96 cyclists were killed and 3,491 were seriously injured in traffic crashes in Canada [2].

The causes of bicycle accidents vary, but common factors include driver error, poor road design, and inadequate safety measures. For example, a study by the University of British Columbia found that intersections were the most common location for bicycle accidents in Vancouver, with 45% of accidents occurring at intersections [3].

In addition, a lack of dedicated infrastructure for cyclists, such as bike lanes and protected intersections, can increase the risk of accidents. According to a study by the National Association of City Transportation Officials, cities with protected bike lanes experienced a 90% reduction in cyclist injuries compared to cities without protected bike lanes [4].

To help reduce the number of bicycle accidents in North America, various initiatives and programs have been implemented. For example, the Vision Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries, has been adopted by several cities in North America, including New York City, San Francisco, and Toronto [5]. Additionally, organizations such as the League of American Bicyclists and the Share the Road Cycling Coalition in Canada work to promote cycling safety and advocate for better infrastructure for cyclists [6, 7].

In conclusion, bicycle accidents in North America remain a major concern, with thousands of cyclists injured or killed on the roads each year. The causes of these accidents are varied, but initiatives and programs aimed at improving cycling safety and infrastructure can help reduce the number of accidents and improve the safety of cyclists on the roads.

Why LISKE?

LISKE is an established leader in the field of accident and injury reconstruction with over thirty years of customer trust. We are dedicated to providing a principled and unparalleled customer experience and continue to strive for excellence, acting with integrity, thoroughness, and accountability. The high-level approach we take to each assignment ensures that no element of causation is overlooked, and no stone is left unturned. Our multi-disciplined team of scientists, engineers, and ACTAR-accredited reconstruction experts prepare a comprehensive, objective, science-based analysis of each accident, powered by next-generation technology. A LISKE accident and injury reconstruction provides a foundational pillar you can count on, whether as a building block to causation, or in the rebuttal to an unacceptable, misinformed, and overreached opposition conclusion. Plan your litigation strategy and achieve the best resolution for your client with LISKE Accident and Injury Experts.

References:

[1] National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Traffic Safety Facts: Bicyclists and Other Cyclists. 2019.

[2] Canadian Institute for Health Information. Cycling Injuries in Canada: 2017–2018. 2020.

[3] University of British Columbia. Cycling Safety in Cities: An Analysis of Interactions, Infrastructure, and Risk. 2012.

[4] National Association of City Transportation Officials. Urban Bikeway Design Guide, Second Edition. 2014.

[5] Vision Zero Network. About Vision Zero. Accessed October 18, 2021.

[6] League of American Bicyclists. About the League. Accessed October 18, 2021.

[7] Share the Road Cycling Coalition. About Us. Accessed October 18, 2021.