Lives lost and injuries

• In 2015, there were 818 bicyclists killed and an estimated 45,000 injured in traffic crashes in the United States.

• The total number of bicyclist fatalities increased 12.2 percent from 2014 to 2015.

• In 2015, 2.3 percent of all traffic fatalities were bicyclists. 

• Ninety-six percent of bicyclist-involved traffic crashes involved only one vehicle, and bicyclists were more likely (84%) to be hit by the front of the vehicle than the side or the rear.

• An estimated 37 percent of fatal bicyclist crashes involved a bicyclist and/or a driver that had been drinking alcohol.

 

Environment and Time

• Twenty-four percent of bicyclist fatalities occurred between the hours of 6 p.m. and 8:59 p.m.

• More fatalities occurred in urban areas (70%) as opposed to rural areas (30%).

• Sixty-one percent of fatalities happened at non-intersections.

• Equal percentages (47%) of bicyclist fatalities occurred during daylight hours as during dark. Four percent of fatalities occurred at dusk, and two percent occurred during dawn light conditions.

 

Age and Demographics

• The average age of bicyclists killed in a traffic crash was 45.

• In 2015, children 14 and younger accounted for 5 percent of all bicyclists killed and 12 percent of those injured in traffic crashes.

• The age group with the most fatalities were people 55 to 59.

• Males were overrepresented (85%) in fatal bicycle crashes.

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Remember

• Drivers and bicyclists have a shared responsibility to stay safe on Bergen County's roadways. Remaining alert and focusing on the road helps everyone get to their destination safely. 

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