[2022 Update]: Despite an increasing number of cities adopting Vision Zero programs in an attempt to reduce serious accidents involving pedestrians and bikes, traffic fatalities involving those who are the most exposed to the road – bicyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists – continue to occur in alarming numbers. California statistics reveal the dangers of motorcycles, with a 227% increase in related fatalities between 1994 and 2016. In 2019, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 846 bicyclist deaths, while the Bicycle Helmet Institute reported 857 cyclist deaths on U.S. roads in 2018, further illustrating the unfortunate risks of riding a bike.
Weighing the Risks of Riding a Motorcycle Against the Advantages of Bicycles and Motorcycles
Many individuals decide to use bicycles or motorcycles as their chosen mode of transportation, especially in cities, leaving their cars behind (similar to those who choose instead to use rideshare services such as Lyft or Uber). Trading the dangers of motorcycles and bicycles for convenience or excitement, some may even choose to accept the risks of riding a bike because it’s easier to slip through heavy traffic. In addition, bikes (and even most motorcycles) are far less expensive than cars, and are easy to keep in storage in a garage (or in a small apartment, in the case of a bicycle). There also those who simply believe that it is more fun, exciting and enjoyable to ride bikes or motorcycles than to drive cars or other vehicles.
How Dangerous is Riding a Motorcycle or Bicycle?
Although choosing a bicycle or a motorcycle over a car may have its own perks or appeal, it is also important to be aware of the different disadvantages and risks of riding a motorcycle or bike. By assessing and examining past incident reports, the dangers of motorcycles and bicycles become clear: According to the L.A. Times, 743 people died in 2013 due to motorcycle and bicycle accidents in the United States. That is an average of two people dying every day as a result of related crashes.
Bicycle vs Motorcycle Safety
Although motorcycles may be widely assumed to be more dangerous than bicycles, many people have been tragically killed or seriously injured in bicycle collisions because they were not wearing the proper safety gear, such as helmets. According to many studies, most bicycle or motorcycle accident fatalities could have been prevented if the riders wore the proper protective gear. Even if you are already wearing appropriate protective gear, including a helmet while riding a bike or a motorcycle, it is important to remain aware as you ride and to be aware of other dangers on the road.
By nature of their design, bikes and motorcycles leave riders exposed to the road – especially when compared to the other forms of transport. Bikes of all forms are also harder to see on the road and need constant balancing by the rider in order to avoid tipping over. Some injuries that can be sustained as a result of motorcycle and bicycle accidents include sprains, fractures and road rash. More severe injuries that may be sustained involve traumatic brain injuries, which can permanently and grievously impact an individual’s way of life.
Hiring the Right Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorney or Bicycle Lawyer for Your Case
If you or someone you know has been involved in a bicycle or motorcycle accident in Bakersfield or a nearby area, Avrek Law may be able to help. Our attorneys have more than 50 years of combined experience assisting injury victims. With over $1 billion recovered for clients in over 45,000 cases, we’re here to help. Learn more about how our “no win, no fee” law firm helps clients at no cost of their own – contact us today for a free consultation!
