A Closer Look at Bicycle Accident Statistics in Los Angeles

Riding a bicycle is an easy way to get around town while also staying active, which is great for health. However, in larger cities, many bike routes put riders dangerously close to fast-moving vehicle traffic. 

Bicycle accidents are certainly common, but certain cities are more dangerous to ride in than others. This is often due to congested roadways, poor street designs, and a lack of bike lanes. 

Los Angeles has some amazing places to ride your bike, but is it the safest? Here are some bicycle accident statistics in Los Angeles you need to know about before going for a ride. 

Biking in California

California is notorious for its traffic. Due to the never-ending congestion, many people have taken up cycling as a quicker way to get around, while also getting in their daily exercise. 

In fact, California has some great bike paths that take riders past various noteworthy attractions and locales. 

The Marvin Braude Bike Trail, more well-known as the Strand, is a 22-mile path that takes you along Los Angeles’ beaches. Along the way, you can stop at Dogtown Coffee in Santa Monica, get some drinks from the Venice Ale House, and get something to eat at the Surf Food Stand in Manhattan Beach. 

However, you run into some issues once you stray off these designated bike paths. 

Bicycle Accident Statistics Across California

By the beginning of 2020, California bike fatalities hit a 25-year high. Between 2016 and 2018, the accident rate was at the highest for any three-year period in the state. In that three-year span, 455 cyclists died in traffic accidents. 

With new bike-sharing programs popping up all over the country, more people than ever before are using cycling as a main mode of transportation. However, many cities have yet to adjust to this increase, failing to implement bike safety plans.

In fact, not many Southern CA roads have been optimized for bike safety. This is despite the fact that bicyclists share the roads with moving vehicles. Related data shows that:

• Majority of cyclists involved in these accidents were 20 years of age and older
• Fatalities among bicyclists younger than 20 have decreased by 90% since 1975
• Deaths amount bike-riders 20 years and older have tripled

These bicycle accident stats show a need for new bicycle safety laws to protect California’s citizens. 

Bicycle Accident Statistics in Los Angeles

For at least a few years now, LA has been considered one of the worst bike cities in the U.S. Although the weather provides a comfortable riding experience, there are many road hazards cyclists must face, including:

• Distracted drivers 
• Poor road conditions 
• Lack of designated bike lanes

According to the Federal Highway Administration, nearly half of all metropolitan areas in California are viewed as having the worst road conditions. 

In 2020, there were ten fatalities in Los Angeles and 1,369 reported bicycle injuries. Across the entire county, those numbers rose to 23 deaths and over 2,500 accidents. In 2019, it saw over double the number of collisions compared to Historic South Central, which came in second according to Crosstown. 

Additionally, most bicyclists in L.A. don’t wear helmets. Failure to use a helmet greatly increases your risk of death in the case of an accident. 

Factors in Bicycle Accidents

Different factors result in more bicycle deaths in certain places, like downtown cities. This is attributed to various factors.

First, bicycle lanes are meant to protect cyclists on heavily trafficked roads. However, this does not always happen. Depending on the city or county, it’s sometimes illegal to ride on the sidewalk with pedestrians. If a bike lane is not available, then the bicyclist must ride alongside motor vehicles, like cars and large trucks.

Therefore, bicyclists face many of the same risks as motorcyclists. For example, speeding vehicles can dangerously cut bike riders off. This is why it’s important to learn the specific traffic laws when it comes to riding. It also helps to be familiar with the roads and avoid areas that are known to be particularly hazardous.

Also, the condition of the road heavily impacts the safety of bicyclists. If the road isn’t well-maintained, then the gravel can interfere with the bike’s movement capabilities and mechanics. Or, a vehicle may also swerve to avoid a pothole and run into a cyclist. 

Bicycle Safety Measures

In order to stay safe on the road, there are a few measures to take that will protect you and avoid an accident. 

Protective gear is one of the simplest ways to maintain road safety. A fitted bike helmet protects your head from a collision. Also, reflective gear and bright clothing increase visibility to drivers. Similarly, putting reflectors on your bike also accomplishes this.

Ride defensively and predictably. Utilizing hand gestures to signal and let neighboring vehicles know when turning goes a long way. If you need to use the sidewalk, make sure to watch for pedestrians and announce when you’re approaching and about to pass by.

If you do happen to find yourself in a bicycle accident, consult with a Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyer for advice. Bicycle accident lawyers will help protect accident victims’ rights and recover the compensation for any injuries that were sustained. 

Contact a Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Lawyer

Riding your bike lets you avoid traffic and enjoy the various scenic areas across Los Angeles. However, bicycle accident statistics in Los Angeles show that it can also prove to be a dangerous hobby.

If you or a loved one were involved in a collision, DK Law can help. Schedule a free consultation with our experienced Los Angeles bicycle accident lawyer to learn more.