Up-to-Date Bicycle Accident Statistics (2012)

Bicyclists take risks every day when traveling on the roads with cars and trucks. Understanding the frequency of such accidents and what factors impact the possibility of a crash can help riders avoid potential hazards on the road.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gathers data regarding all types of traffic accidents and reports its findings each year. The latest publication includes bicycle accident statistics from 2012. It lists the latest accurate statistics for bicycle accidents. Some of the findings may surprise you.

Current Bicycle Accident Statistics

The NHTSA reports that in 2012 there were an estimated 49,000 pedalcyclists (anyone on a non-motorized, pedal-powered vehicle on the roadway) injured in traffic accidents. Additionally, there were 726 pedalcyclist fatalities that year. Colorado showed a reported 13 cyclist fatalities in 2012.

The following statistics were also revealed by the NHTSA report.

• The number of fatalities among cyclists rose six percent from 2011 to 2012, with only 682 fatalities in the previous year.
• Sixty-nine percent of all cyclist fatalities occurred in urban areas.
• Forty-eight percent (the largest percentage) of cyclist fatalities occurred in late afternoon or evening/night hours between 4:00 p.m. and 11:59 p.m.
• The lowest percentage of fatalities among cyclists occurred in early morning hours between midnight and 3:59 a.m. This percentage totals seven percent.
• The average age of cyclists killed in 2012 was 43, showing a continuing trend of increasing average age related to cyclist traffic fatalities over the past 10 years.
• The demographic with the highest fatality rate was cyclists between 45 and 54 years of age.
• Young cyclists between the ages of 10 and 15 experienced the highest injury rate in traffic accidents in 2012.
• Men made up the majority of fatalities and injuries on pedalcycles in 2012, at 88 percent of all fatalities and 80 percent of all injuries reported.
• Alcohol played a large role in cyclist accidents, with 37 percent of all traffic accidents involving a pedalcycle involving alcohol on either the part of the cyclist or motorist involved. In addition, over one-fourth of all cyclists showed a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .01 grams per deciliter or greater, and almost one-fourth showed a BAC over .08.

If You’ve Been in a Bicycle Accident, Call an Attorney

Bicycle accident statistics can tell us some of the risk factors and causes of bicycle accidents and indicate areas of needed intervention. Meanwhile, if you’ve been involved in a traffic accident while riding your bike, you may be experiencing medical and financial complications as a result. You could be worried about paying medical bills, lost wages and your future earning potential, depending on the seriousness of your injuries.

It can be a scary time, and it’s important that you understand your options for seeking compensation for your damages and losses. D.J. Banovitz specializes in personal injury cases and can help you understand the law as it applies to your case. Regardless of what the bicycle accident statistics say, each case is evaluated on a case-by-case basis to determine fault and prove liability for your damages.

Our team can prepare your claim and help you obtain financial reimbursement for your pain and suffering. Call us today for a free consultation where a personal injury lawyer will sit down with you and review your case. Call to schedule an appointment at 303-300-5060 or contact us via our online contact form to set up your consultation.