Bicyclist Deaths on the Rise in the U.S.

It has been reported that more than 700 bicyclists died on U.S. roads in 2012, a rise of 16 percent from 2010 to 2012, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association.

The study states that there has been a gradual trend over time where more adults are bicycling in cities. Part of the explanation for the increased number of fatalities is that more people are bicycling to work. Bicyclists are virtually unprotected from negligent car and truck motorists.

The Washington Post further reported that bike riding, particularly among urban commuters is on the increase, that the trend has led to increases in cyclist fatalities nationwide, in 2011 and 2012. Most of the victims were adult males, and most were not wearing helmets.

More bike lanes and green bike lanes in Phoenix and the Phoenix Bike Share program may increase bike riding, but not necessarily safety for bicyclists. Many accidents with bicycles are preventable, examples include distracted driving by motorists, impaired driving and inattentive left turning drivers, which increase the risks of danger to bicyclists.

“Rise in U.S. bicycle fatalities concerns safety advocates,” Katherine Sharver, The Washington Post, October 27, 2014