Bicycle Safety Statistics

Bicycle Safety Statistics

Bicycle-related crashes kill about 900 people each year — an additional 560,000 people are sent to emergency rooms with bike-related injuries.

Approximately 11,000 children suffered bicycle accident-related injuries in the U.S. in 2008.

Properly fitted bicycle helmets reduce the risk of head injury in a crash by 85 percent.

Forty-three percent of riders never wear helmets and an additional seven percent say they wear helmets less than half the time.

Fifty-nine percent of children ages 5-14 do not use a helmet every time they ride a bicycle. Among those that do use a helmet regularly, 39 percent do not wear it correctly.

More than 60 percent of childhood bicycle-related fatalities occur on small neighborhood streets and roads — in fact, the typical bike crash occurs within one mile of home.

Bicycle Safety Tips

Wear a properly fitted helmet every time you ride a bike — a helmet is the single most effective way to prevent head injury from a bike accident.

Wear your helmet correctly with the chin strap fastened.

Avoid riding bikes around cars and ride on sidewalks whenever possible.

Statistics and tips courtesy of National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 2008 reports, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and Safe Kids USA.