Being on the road, whether in a car, bicycle, or just walking, comes with a certain level of risk. For some individuals, these risks may be greater as certain methods of transportation offer little protection in the event of a crash. Every year, hundreds of bicyclists and motorcyclists sustain injuries or die in collisions with other vehicles. But who is the most at-risk of these incidents?
Measuring the Risk: Bike Riders vs. Motorcyclists
According to 2017 data, there are about 47.5 million cyclists in the United States; in contrast, there are only about 8.3 million registered motorcycles. While this may lead one to believe that having more bike riders will mean more crashes, this is largely unsupported by data.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 1,000 bicyclist deaths and 130,000 injuries happen each year. In 2020, however, over 5,500 motorcyclists were killed in crashes (the highest on record) and 84,000 were injured. While this does somewhat support that bicyclists are more likely to be involved in collisions, motorcyclists are much more likely to have increased severity.
Why Do Motorcyclists Have Higher Fatality Rates?
There could be a few reasons why motorcyclists are more likely to sustain fatal injuries. First, motorcycles travel at much higher speeds than bicycles. This means that they will exhibit more force when coming into contact with something, increasing the likelihood of severe injuries. Alternatively, while there are areas with designated bike lanes that may make drivers more attentive, motorcycles must ride in the midst of traffic, which can provide more opportunities for crashes.
St. Augustine Personal Injury Attorneys
Cyclists of all kinds should know that they have as much right to the roadway as any other vehicle. Our Florida attorneys help hold negligent motorists accountable for the injuries they cause to bike riders and motorcyclists. Schedule a free consultation with our team today to learn how we can help you pursue compensation by calling (904) 849-2266.
