It is helpful to understand the risks that bicyclists from all age groups face, whether you worry about the safety of your child while they ride a bike or you are an older cyclist concerned about the likelihood of an accident. Statistics on bike accidents shed light on some of the age-related concerns associated with bicycle accident injuries and deaths.
In addition, it is crucial to remember that cyclists of any age can find themselves in a devastating accident while riding a bike near traffic.
Older adults and fatal bike accidents
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Information, adults between the ages of 55 and 69 have the highest rates of bike accident deaths when compared to cyclists from other age groups. On an annual basis, almost 1,000 cyclists lose their lives on U.S. roads. Moreover, while cyclists account for 1% of U.S. trips each year, they represent more than 2% of those who die in roadway accidents in the U.S.
Going over cyclist injuries
The data shows that a significant number of cyclists suffer injuries in traffic accidents. According to the CDC, more than 130,000 cyclists suffer injuries in traffic accidents per year. Moreover, bicyclists between the ages of 10 and 24 need emergency department treatment due to bike accident injuries more than any other age group. Young cyclists between 10 and 24 make up almost one-third of bicycle accident injury cases in U.S. emergency departments.
If a negligent driver left you injured while riding a bike or you lost a family member in an accident, make sure you stand up for yourself.