Bicycle Riding in Arizona and Accidents

Many residents of Arizona enjoy much of their time doing outdoor activities. Because of this, many in the state enjoy bicycling. It is not uncommon in some parts of Arizona to witness residents that bike daily to commute to work or for errands. Some bike because they simply enjoy it while others appreciate its health benefits.

Due to its popularity, there are quite a few communities that have modified their roadways so they could accommodate bicyclists. Many have added in bike lanes, traffic controls to accommodate bikes in more heavily congested areas, and have hung signs indicating bikers are present. Bikers that ride on the roads are subject to the same protections and laws that motorists must follow. These changes to roadways and traffic help to make riding a bicycle safer but they don’t eliminate accidents. As more and more people take to the roads on their bikes, there exists a higher number of collisions between motorists and bicycles.

Bicycle Crash Statistics In Arizona 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that in 2011 there were 677 bicycle deaths and 48,000 bicyclist injuries. Of those killed in bikes, 10 percent were aged 5-15. The hours between 4:00 pm and 7:59 pm were the most dangerous hours to ride a bicycle that year. Men were killed and injured more so than women on bikes.

Information on bicycle injuries and deaths have been collected by the NHTSA since 1932. Sadly, over 51,000 bicyclists lost their lives since the NHTSA has been reporting. In Arizona, similar bicycle accident information is tracked by the Arizona Department of Transportation (AZDOT).

AZDOT reported that in 2012, the state saw 1742 injuries from bicycle accidents and 18 deaths. When vehicles collide with bicyclists the results are often catastrophic. In 90 percent of all bicycle accidents that occurred in 2012 in Arizona, injuries or death took place. 

Bicycle accidents don’t make up the majority of accidents because there are fewer bikes on the roads than cars. These accidents account for 2 percent of all the crashes that occurred on Arizona roads, but they made up 3.5 percent of all injuries from road accidents. What this says is that bicyclists were at higher risk for injuries when they drove on the road when compared to other vehicles.

Bicycle Helmet Laws In Phoenix, Arizona 

Similar to motorcycles, bicyclists put themselves in grave danger by not wearing a helmet when they ride. Arizona has no laws that govern helmet use, but a few local governments have enacted laws including:

• Tucson and Pima County require helmet use in bicyclists 18 and under.
• Flagstaff requires all bicyclists aged 18 and under to wear helmets and imposes fines upwards of $75.
• Phoenix has a law that requires anyone riding a bike who is 18 and under to wear a helmet.
• Sierra Vista also requires helmet-use for those 18 years and younger.
• Yuma has a law requiring helmet-use for those 18 years and younger.

Have You Been Injured By A Driver When You Were On A Bike In Arizona?

When you have been hit by a vehicle and you sustained injuries, you have legal rights that deserve to be protected. The Phoenix accident attorneys at ELG will help you put together a strong claim for compensation to recoup the costs associated with your damages. ELG has an excellent team of Arizona bicycle accident injury attorneys and we will provide you effective legal representation after your bicycle accident.

Call us today at (623) 562-3838 to set up a free consultation and we will discuss your bicycle accident at either our  Phoenix or Mesa, Arizona locations.