According to the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) there were over 10,000 cycling accidents in California in 2020. Their prevalence means that cyclists and motorists must both be aware of the risks on the road.
Young children, cycling commuters and older adults are at the highest risk of experiencing a cycling accident in California. This is because they are more likely to either not be aware of the rules of the road or be close to traffic.
Protecting Children from Cycling Accidents
Young children have a high risk of cycling accidents due to their inherent nature of speeding. Because they are not aware of traffic laws, they are more likely to violate lane-splitting or cut across roads.
Even if children are capable of riding their bikes to and from school, parents are advised to educate their children on traffic rules and ensure they can safely adhere to them when riding their bikes.
It can also be beneficial to ride with children and teach them how to be a responsible cyclist before allowing them to bike alone.
Cycling Commuters
Daily commuters have a higher risk of being involved in a cycling accident. Their proximity to traffic can increase the chance of being struck by a motor vehicle. If they do not follow cycling laws and accidentally intercept traffic, they could not only be injured but also held liable for damages to the driver.
Cyclists must always maintain at least 3 feet of space between themselves and a vehicle in California.
Bicycles must be equipped with lights that make it visible in various lighting conditions. This includes a 300-feet front-facing light and 500-feet red light in the back of the bicycle.
Mirrors are only meant to be used as an aid; the cyclist is responsible for maintaining awareness and being alert on their bikes. This means they should always look over their shoulder to check for vehicles before making turns or changing lanes.
Older Adults
With slower reflexes, senior citizens are also at an increased risk of motor vehicle accidents. It is imperative that they always follow the rules of the road and do not bike in areas with high traffic that may be too difficult for them to navigate.
Protecting All Cyclists on the Road
All cyclists under 18 are legally required to wear a helmet; every cyclist is required to follow red traffic lights and stop signs and use a bicycle lane. Motorists must change into a bicycle lane when making right-hand turns, so cyclists should maintain their distance and stay aware of any vehicles up ahead.
Bicycle accidents can happen anywhere on California roads, form rural areas to big cities. In fact, the city of Modesto, saw 23 bicycle and pedestrian deaths in 2023. Taking precautions like wearing a helmet and obeying traffic laws, every time you ride can help assure you arrive at your destination safely.