2022 California Bicycle Accident Statistics

California Bicycle Accident Injuries and Deaths Statistics in 2022

While the fairly new trend of bike sharing programs such as MetroBike, B-Cycle and Bike Nation have changed the transportation game across the world, they are not without problems. Though supported by many cities worldwide because of their positive effects on the environment, they have also been linked to the increase of congested roads, traffic accidents, bike injuries, and fatalities. 

Victims of a bicycle accident are welcomed to contact our qualified bicycle accident attorneys at West Coast Trial Lawyers. We will help strengthen your claim and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you acquire the compensation you deserve. 

To schedule a free consultation, please contact our 24/7 legal team by calling 213-927-3700 or filling out our quick contact form.

California Cyclist Deaths  

California is considered as one of the most dangerous states for cycling.

• In California, cyclist deaths make up 4 percent of all the auto accidents. This is twice the national average, making California the first in the nation in cyclist deaths.
• California, Florida, and Texas accounted for nearly 41 percent of the United State’s cyclist fatalities between 2014 and 2017.
• According to California Health Line, from 2016 through 2018, 455 cyclists were killed in traffic accidents.
• Out of all cities in California, Los Angeles has the most fatal bike accidents (106 deaths). The amount has doubled since 2008, where the total number of cyclist deaths was at 74.  

Demographics 

California bike law is different for adults than it is for children. 

• Los Angeles has 28,000 miles of street lanes, but only 0.6 percent of them are safe for bikes.
• California is home to 14.5 percent of the nation’s bike riders.
• In the United States, men are more likely to die in a bike crash compared to women. The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) released a 2019 report stating that nearly 719 male riders were involved in a fatal bicycle accident, while 119 were female riders. 
• In 2019, 90 percent of fatal bicycle accidents involved cyclists who were 20 and older.
• In 2019, 791 bicyclists, who were 16 and older, died in a bicycle accident due to the influence of alcohol. 
• July (12 percent) is the most popular month for fatal bicycle accidents, followed by August (11 percent).
• In 2019, bicyclist deaths peaked during the nighttime at 6PM to 9PM. 
• 78 percent of fatal bicycle accidents took place in urban areas while 22 percent occurred in rural areas.

Cycling and Intoxication 

Just because you aren’t behind the wheel of a car, doesn’t mean you can ride drunk. Riding a bike under the influence can not only make you a danger to yourself, but to others on the road as well.  

• In 2017, 33 percent of California bike injuries involved alcohol.
• 67 percent of bike injuries happened with no alcohol involved.
• In 2016, 154 cyclist deaths occurred in California. 
• 57 cyclist deaths involved alcohol.
• 39 involved impaired cyclists.
• 11 fatal bicycle accidents were caused by an impaired motor vehicle driver.

Helmet Statistics  

Adults over the age of 18 do not have to wear helmets in California.

• In 17 percent of bicycle deaths nationwide, the rider did not wear a helmet.
• Bike deaths have declined since 1995 with the use of helmets. 
• Child cyclist’s deaths have declined while the number for adults over 20 has tripled.
• In 2019, 62 percent  of cyclists who were killed in a crash were not wearing a helmet, while 15 percent of cyclists were found wearing one. 

Contact Us to Find Out How We Can Help

If you have sustained injuries as a result of a bicycle accident, you have the right to hold the guilty party accountable. Our skilled bicycle accident attorneys at West Coast Trial Lawyers can help you recover compensation for the losses you have suffered, including medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering from your injury.

Contact us today by calling 213-927-3700 or filling out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with our experienced, caring and compassionate legal team.