It’s that time of year again – time to discuss bicycle safety. A “typical” bicyclist killed on our roadways is a (sober) male over the age of 16, not wearing a helmet, riding on a major road between intersections, and traveling in an urban area on a summer evening when struck by a car.

The Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute (www.helmets.org) reports that 91 percent of bicyclists killed in 2009 reportedly weren’t wearing helmets.

Here are some Highlights of U.S. statistics available from the U.S. Department of Transportation:

Traffic Safety Facts – 2011 Data (released in April 2013 and still the most recent)

* 677 bicyclists died on U.S. roads in 2011.

* 48,000 bicyclists were injured in traffic in 2011.

* Bicyclists 15 and under killed in 2011: 85.

* Average age of a bicyclist killed on U.S. roads: 43.

* Fatal crashes typically were urban and not at intersections.

These statistics prove that helmet use significantly reduces the risk of injury and death involving a bicycle incident. The cost and burden of wearing a helmet are nothing compared to the benefits. Helmets save lives! Period.

 

Please protect yourself and your family. It is easy, cheap and the downside is horrible.