How Safe Is Cycling? Understanding the Risks and Riding Smarter
Cycling Is Awesome — But Is It Safe? Bicycling is one of the best ways to stay fit, explore your surroundings, and lighten your carbon footprint. But let’s be real — safety matters, and it’s worth understanding the risks before you clip in and roll out. The Biggest Risk: Motor Vehicle Collisions According to the National Center for Health Statistics, there were 1,260 bicycle deaths in 2020. More than 800 of those involved collisions with motor vehicles. The rest were non-traffic incidents, but they’re still serious. Why do so many crashes happen? A few common reasons: Distracted driving: Phones, food, texts — you name it. Distracted drivers pose a real threat to cyclists. Failure to yield: Whether at intersections or while passing, drivers not yielding properly is a big problem. Speeding: The faster a car is going, the more dangerous it is for everyone — especially cyclists. Lack of visibility: Cyclists without lights or bright clothing are harder to see, especially...
