The number of preventable deaths from bicycle transportation incidents increased 10% in 2022 and have increased 47% in the last 10 years (from 925 in 2013 to 1,360 in 2022). At the same time, the number of preventable nonfatal injuries has declined 32%, from 493,884 in 2013 to 337,738 in 2022.
Bicycle-related deaths peak in the warmer months, starting in July, and they remain high through October. In 2022, most deaths occurred in August (156) and the fewest in January (73).
ChartData Table
Preventable bicycle-related deaths by month, 2022
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1,360 total deaths
View as data table, Preventable bicycle-related deaths by month, 2022
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Of the 1,360 bicyclist deaths in 2022, 928 died in motor-vehicle crashes and 432 in other incidents, according to National Center for Health Statistics mortality data. Males accounted for 87% of all bicycle deaths, over eight times the fatalities for females.
Explore preventable bicycle-related death and injury trends using this interactive chart.
The estimated number of bicycle-related injuries and fatalities varies depending on the data source. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 1,105 bicyclists were killed in motor-vehicle traffic crashes in 2022, a 13% increase from 976 in 2021. Bicyclists’ deaths accounted for 2.6% of all motor-vehicle traffic fatalities. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports 405,411 emergency department-treated injuries associated with bicycles and bicycle accessories in 2022. This estimate includes both preventable and intentional injuries. The estimates provided in the interactive chart are limited to preventable injuries and fatalities.
A meta-analysis of bicycle helmet efficacy by Strewed, Glaser, and McFadden (2001) estimated that bicycle helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 60% and brain injury by 58%. As of January 2024, 22 states, the District of Columbia, and more than 200 localities had bicycle helmet-use laws, according to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute.
National Safety Council estimates and tabulations of National Center for Health Statistics mortality data obtained via WISQARS. Population data for rates are from the U.S. Census Bureau. Data from Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute retrieved June 21, 2024.
National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) All Injury Program, Office of Statistics and Programming, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Consumer Product Commission.
Attewell, R.G., Glase, K., & McFadden
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