Head injury is the leading cause of death in bicycle crashes.
The following facts are based on analysis of data from the U.S.
Department of Transportation*s Fatal Accident Reporting System (figures
are from 1995):
825 bicyclists were killed in crashes with motor vehicles in 1995,
higher than in 1994 but down 18% since 1975.35% of bicycle deaths
occurred at intersections.
Bicycle deaths are most likely to occur in summer. The peak time is 3 - 6 p.m.
94% of bicyclists killed reportedly weren't wearing helmets.
34% of bicycle deaths were riders younger than 16.
Four states (California, Florida, New York, and Texas) accounted for 46% of bicycle deaths.
More bicyclists were killed in urban areas (64%) than in rural areas (33%).
52% of bicycle deaths occurred on major roads, and 37% occurred on local roads.