Bicycle Accident Statistics: The Numbers You Need to Know

Understanding bicycle accident statistics helps identify risks and supports advocacy for safer roads. Here are the numbers every cyclist should know.

Annual Fatalities

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United States

• 1,000+ cyclist deaths annually

• Up from 618 in 2010 (62% increase)

• Cyclists are 2% of traffic fatalities but 1% of trips

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Trend Deaths have increased even as overall traffic deaths declined.

Injuries

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Annually

• 130,000+ cyclists injured in traffic crashes

• Unknown thousands more in unreported accidents

• ER visits likely 2-3x higher than reported crashes

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Severity

• 27% involve head injuries

• 31% involve extremity fractures

• Many result in permanent disability

When Accidents Occur

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Time of Day

• 6-9 PM: Peak danger (low light, rush hour)

• 6-9 AM: Secondary peak (commute)

• Night: 2x more likely to be fatal

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Day of Week

• Friday highest for accidents

• Saturday highest for fatalities (alcohol involvement)

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Season

• Summer months have most accidents (more riding)

• October often has high fatality rate (earlier darkness)

Where Accidents Occur

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Location

• 75% in urban areas

• 70% at non-intersection locations

• 30% at intersections

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Road Type

• Arterial roads most dangerous

• Bike infrastructure reduces risk

Who Is Involved

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Age

• Ages 55-69 have highest fatality rate

• Ages 20-24 have highest injury rate

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Gender

• Men: 87% of cyclist deaths

• Men: 83% of cyclist injuries

Causes

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Driver Factors

• Failure to yield: 38%

• Inattention: 20%

• Improper passing: 17%

• Speeding: 14%

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Cyclist Factors

• Riding against traffic: 9%

• Failure to yield: 8%

• Improper lane use: 5%