Bicycle Accidents
Bicycles offer an environmentally friendly and healthy mode of transportation. Unfortunately, they also involve a risk of injury due to negligent motorists, defective equipment, or poor road conditions.
Michigan recognizes the importance of road safety for everyone on the road, including bicyclists. The state has implemented bicycle-friendly infrastructure, such as dedicated bike lanes, bike boxes, and more. Michigan’s Department of Transportation also regularly conducts educational campaigns to raise awareness about bicycle safety and encourage everyone to share the road responsibly. Michigan law requires vehicles to give cyclists at least three feet of space when passing. But despite these efforts, more than 1,300 bicycles were involved in crashes with motor vehicles in 2022, and 36 people lost their lives in these crashes. The highest number of fatalities occurred in men ages 55-64 and those not wearing helmets.
Common factors contributing to these collisions include drivers who are distracted, fatigued, or not paying adequate attention, or cyclists who do not follow the rules of road. Cyclists can also be seriously injured if an occupant of a vehicle parked on the road opens a door suddenly without checking for oncoming cyclists. Bicycles are less visible than cars, especially in the dark, leading to crashes if the cyclist is not using lights and reflective gear to make themselves more noticeable.
