Cycling is Safer than Driving a Car In Utah

Recent analysis from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Center for Disease Prevention have found that participating in road biking is much safer than driving a car. Cyclists are healthier than the average person and involved in less personal injury accidents than the common vehicular operator.  In fact, the vast majority of car verses bicycle crashes, the motorist is the at-fault party. Tragically, the bicyclists sustain more severe injuries as they have less protection and restraint mechanisms than motorists do. The most common are traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and Spinal Cord Injuries according to the Utah Brain Injury Association.

Why Fear is Dangerous for Utah Bicyclists

It is important to understand the difference between fearful cyclist and being a defensive cyclist. Being informed and defensive while cycling increases a cyclist’s awareness of his or her surroundings. The cyclist looks ahead at the roadway, the traffic signals, the vehicles or pedestrians around him or her. Being on guard is vital to staying safe while cycling on Utah roads.  Being alert keeps a cyclist on his toes—he is ready to maneuver, stop quickly and to avoid any preventable collisions.

On the other hand, fear increases an individual’s likelihood of being injured in a Utah accident. This fear replaces rationality and logic. With the rising popularity of the bicycle commuter or an outdoor recreationalist, these new riders find themselves rationalizing that it’s more comfortable and safer for them to be cycling on the sidewalk or against traffic.  The trepidation causes these cyclists to miscalculate how fast they are actually going verses how much time and space they need to stop. They get distracted by the oncoming traffic and do not focus on things like road conditions and other commuters.

Fact #1:  Sidewalk Cycling is 2x more dangerous than bicycling on the street.

It is a common myth for bicycle commuters (especially those new to the sport) to prefer to ride their bikes on the sidewalk. The usual rationalization is that there aren’t any fast cars to hit them; therefore, everyone is safer. Another excuse is that the cyclist has more control over his or her speed on the sidewalk. However, sidewalk cycling is more dangerous than riding on the road. Period.

• Sidewalk cycling increases the likelihood of collisions with other cyclists and pedestrians. Pedestrians exiting buildings are often hit dead on by cyclists which will result in injury. These bicycle crashes may even result in significant spinal injury trauma and broken bones.

• Sidewalk cycling increases the likelihood of a cyclist being hit by a motor vehicle or large truck. Contrary to popular belief, bicyclists are more prone to being injured in a bicycle verses automobile accident when the cyclist is biking on the sidewalk. Vehicles pulling in or out of driveways aren’t looking out for a cyclist riding 25 mph down the sidewalk. They are watching out for the slower moving pedestrians. Many bicyclists have died in these types of Utah accidents.

Fact #2:  Not only is it illegal, but cycling against traffic is 4x as dangerous than bicycling with traffic on the street.

Cycling against traffic on Utah roads has been becoming an ever increasing problem with new riders and children. This violation of Utah cycling laws has contributed to a rise in cycling deaths among children and young adults. According to the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center, partner of the government sponsored Center for Disease Control, children 15 years and young accounted for59% of all emergency room bicycle-related injuries. NHTSA reported that in 2007, 698 bicycle accidents fatalities resulted and 44,000 cyclists were injured.

Why Hire an Experienced Utah Personal Injury Attorney

If you or a family member has been the victim of a bicycle verses automobile accident in Utah, it is essential that you contact an experienced Salt Lake City personal injury attorney to represent your rights. Attorney Ken Christensen, founder of the Christensen Law Firm, PLLC, authored the book Utah Bicycle Accident Handbook which outlines your legal options and answers your insurance questions. Feel free to give us a call for a free, NO obligation consultation with Mr. Christensen at 801.506.0800 or to order your free book today.

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