May used to be just Motorcycle Safety Month but now it’s important to recognize all types of bike safety.
The warmer weather, brings out all types of bike enthusiasts. Out on the road to exercise, enjoy the outdoors, or ride to work. Motorcycle Accidents are at their peak in the warmer months. Bikes and ebikes take over the roads and sidewalks which means drivers of cars need to stay alert.
Behind every bicycle and motorcycle is a cherished loved one out enjoying the fresh air and the road. For drivers of 4-wheel type vehicles one glance at your phone or other distraction can be devastating to a vulnerable cyclist. The injuries are often catastrophic to an unprotected cyclist. A large percentage of crashes can be avoided if both drivers and cyclists would follow the rules of the road.
Key Bicycle Accident Statistics
- About 1,103 bicyclists were killed in U.S. traffic crashes in 2024, according to NHTSA.
- There were 6,228 Motorcyclists kills in the U.S. in 2024 – 16% of all traffic fatalities.
- Bicyclist deaths are highest during July thru October.
- More than 120,000 bicyclists are injured annually in roadway crashes.
- Bicycle fatalities have increased significantly over the past decade. The NSC reports a 53% increase in bicycle deaths since 2014.
- Most fatal bicycle crashes occur in urban areas and away from intersections, where vehicle speeds are often higher.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Certain groups face higher risks of serious bicycle injuries and deaths:
- Adults ages 55–69 have the highest bicycle death rates.
- Children and teens ages 10–14 have some of the highest emergency room injury rates.
- Male cyclists account for a larger majority of fatalities and injuries.
- Crashes are more common during July through October, when cycling activity is highest.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Many serious bicycle and motorcycle crashes involve:
- Drivers failing to yield
- Unsafe passing
- Distracted driving
- Opening vehicle doors into bike lanes (“dooring”)
- Speeding
- Poor nighttime visibility
- Lack of protected bike infrastructure
NHTSA notes that bicyclists not being visible and failing to yield are among the leading contributing factors in fatal crashes.
Tips from the Keifer Foundation:
- Drivers: put down the phone. Look Twice. Give space.
- Cyclists: Stay visible. Stay alert. Ride defensively and assume you haven’t been seen.
Motorcycle Accident Results in Tragic Death
This wrongful death case involved injuries to the driver of the motorcycle and the tragic death of a 65-year-old woman who was a passenger on a motorcycle when a truck abruptly turned left in front of the motorcycle, causing a violent collision. Settlement: $12,500,000.
Key Safety Measures That Can Reduce Injuries
Research consistently shows that these measures help reduce bicycle injuries and fatalities:
- Wearing a properly fitted helmet
- Using front and rear lights
- Riding in protected bike lanes
- Lower urban speed limits
- Reflective clothing and visibility gear
- Infrastructure improvements such as separated lanes and safer intersections
Concerns Involving E-Bikes on the Rise
The rapid growth of e-bike use has also led to increased injuries and policy debates about safety and regulation. Cities across the U.S. are seeing rising e-bike crash numbers, especially in dense urban areas.
Michigan Bike Accident Trends
Michigan has also seen increases in crashes involving vulnerable road users, including bicyclists. State officials have highlighted cyclist safety as an ongoing concern amid rising traffic fatalities statewide.
Recent Bike Accidents in the News
12-year-old dies nearly a week after bicycle crash in Grand Blanc. A young girl on her way home from getting ice cream was hit by a car. She ultimately died of her injuries. Police are investigating. The driver stopped and no alcohol was suspected.
23-year-old Motorcyclist killed in head on collision in Montcalm County. A motorcyclist died after crashing head on into a passenger vehicle. The motorcyclist was travelling southbound on the northbound lane trying to pass another vehicle. Police were called 11 pm Sunday night. Fog appeared to be a factor.
Recent E-bike Accident Injures 2 People
According to Channel 7 WXYZ after 2 serious accidents involving cars and children riding ebikes, Dearborn Heights Police chief Michael Guzowski urged parents to understand the risks, noting how fast the bikes can accelerate. He also encouraged parents to talk to their children about wearing helmets and obeying traffic laws. The young boy hurt on Tuesday was not wearing a helmet.
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