Bicycling is a very common form of transportation in New York City, especially for employees who must arrive at their destination quickly, such as pizza deliverers. Other residents are simply looking for a healthier, cheaper or greener transportation alternative. With this mode of transportation comes many of the same risks as traditional motor vehicles, including accidents. Bicycle accidents are very similar to car accidents because bicyclists are expected to follow many of the same rules as other drivers.
You may find yourself wondering just how common bicycle accidents are, and what the circumstances surrounding them are. Perhaps you’re a biker yourself, or you’re considering taking up biking. Regardless, New York has revealed some interesting statistics about bicycle accidents in the city, including who is most at risk and the impact of helmets on the safety of the cyclist.
Not surprisingly, the data indicates that safety measures such as helmets and lanes designated specifically for cyclists reduce the risk of death for bicyclists. In fact, 97 percent of cyclists who were killed in an accident did not have a helmet. Furthermore, of all the fatal bicycle accidents that involved a motor vehicle, only one of them happened when the involved cyclist was in his designated lane. Interestingly, more than 90 percent of bicyclists who were killed in accidents were male.
Like any form of transportation, there is always the risk of accident, but the data seems to indicate that the recommended safety measures keep casualties to a minimum in New York City. As long as you wear a helmet, ride in your own lane and obey the rules, your chances of getting into a serious or fatal accident are relatively low.