You love riding your bike, because there are many different benefits. You can get to work while exercising. You limit your time stuck in traffic. You can store it inside your home and don’t have to worry about paying for gas or car insurance.
Yes, there are many benefits to becoming a cyclist, but there are risks, too. There are environmental characteristics that influence the bicycle crashes that take place. In 2015, those factors included the location of the cyclist’s route, the lighting conditions, the time of day and the land use. Additionally, the season influences when crashes take place.
The highest number of bicycle crashes take place in urban areas, according to 2015 data, with only 30 percent taking place in rural areas. The fall months are the most dangerous for cyclists, with 29 percent of crashes taking place then. As for the time of day, the highest percentage of crashes took place between 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.
What age is at the highest risk of a crash?
Females between 65 and 69 have the greatest risk of getting into a fatal crash. For men, the 55-to-59-year age range faces the highest risk of a crash resulting in a fatality. On average, those killed in traffic accidents while riding bikes are 45. Part of the reason for this is the growing interest in cycling, both as a way to get exercise and to get around.
Anyone can end up in a bicycle accident. Remember to wear a helmet and to use appropriate riding gear. If you are struck, you should seek immediate medical help and consider filing a claim for compensation for your injuries and other damages.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Traffic Safety Facts,” accessed Dec. 06, 2017