The bicycle accident statistics below were compiled from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Number of Bicycle Accidents in U.S.
In 2017, 783 cyclists died in accidents with motor vehicles.
In 2016, 840 cyclists died in accidents with motor vehicles.
In 2015, 818 cyclists died in accidents with motor vehicles.
In 2014, 729 cyclists died in accidents with motor vehicles.
Almost 467,000 individuals were hurt in bicycle accidents in 2015.
In 2016, cyclists accounted for more than 2 percent of traffic fatalities.
From 1980 to 2010, annual cyclist deaths declined more than 33 percent, from more than 960 to less than 630. Since 2010, they increased again, reaching nearly 820 in 2015.
Cycling trips account for just 1 percent of all trips throughout the United States.
There were almost 515,000 cycling injuries that warranted emergency medical care in 2010.
Most Dangerous Times to Ride a Bicycle
In 2016, approximately 51 percent of fatal bicycle accidents occurred when the sun was up. Approximately 45 percent occurred at nighttime, 2 percent occurred around dawn, and 3 percent occurred around dusk.
In 2016, the three-hour period between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. saw the most fatal bicycle accidents on both weekends, when 26 percent of these accidents occurred, and weekdays, when 20 percent of these accidents occurred. Additionally, 21 percent of fatal bicycle accidents occurred between 9 p.m. and 12 a.m. on weekends, while 16 percent of fatal bicycle accidents occurred between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. and between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays.
Bicycle Accident Demographic Statistics
In 2016, 84 percent of the cyclists who died in accidents were male. Additionally, the largest percentage of male cyclists who sustained injuries were between the ages of 55 and 59 years old.
The highest rate of bicycle accident fatalities is among adults who are between the ages of 50 and 59.
Male cyclists are six times more likely to die and four times more likely to sustain injuries while riding than female cyclists.
The average age of cyclists who died in motor-vehicle collisions increased from 2007, when it was 40, to 2016, when it became 46.
In 2010, approximately half of all cyclists who were hurt and required emergency medical care were less than 20 years old. Additionally, approximately 26,000 of the cycling-related injuries that adolescents and children sustained that year were traumatic brain injuries.
Alcohol-Related Bicycle Accident Statistics
In 29 percent of the bicycle accidents in which alcohol was a contributing factor, the cyclist or motorist registered a blood alcohol concentration of at least 0.08.
In approximately 35 percent of fatal bicycle accidents in 2016, alcohol was a contributing factor.
Of the cyclists who were killed in 2016, more than 26 percent registered a blood alcohol concentration of at least 0.01.
Cost of Bicycle Accidents
In 2010, the fatalities and injuries that resulted from bicycle accidents cost $10 billion in lifetime healthcare expenses and loss of productivity.
Bicycle Accident Location Statistics
Most fatal bicycle accidents occur in more urban areas. They also tend to happen at non-intersection areas.
Approximately 71 percent of cyclists who were killed in 2016 were involved in accidents that occurred in an urban area.
In 2016, approximately 30 percent of cycling-related fatalities happened at an intersection, while 4 percent happened in a designated bike lane.
In 2016, California saw the most cycling fatalities—147—followed by Florida (138) and Texas (65). Every other state had fewer than 51 cycling fatalities each that year.
Bicycle Helmet Statistics
Bicycle helmets have proven to reduce the risk of serious head injuries in forceful impacts.
States rely on helmet laws to increase overall bicycle helmet use and decrease accident-related head injuries and death.
Although millions of Americans cycle, less than 50 percent wear an adequate helmet when doing so. In a survey conducted between 2001 and 2003, researchers found just 48 percent of children between 5 and 14 wore a helmet when riding their bike. They also found that older cyclists were much less likely to wear a helmet than younger ones.
