10 Facts About Bicycle Accidents in New York

An In-Depth Look at Bike Accidents and Injuries Across the City

Thousands of people are hurt each year while riding a bicycle on New York City streets. Despite efforts to make the city safer for cyclists, there are still high numbers of bicycle accidents resulting in serious injury or death.

At Ajlouny Injury Law, we have recovered millions in verdicts and settlements for injury victims throughout New York City. If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, we may be able to help get you the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and more. Contact our office today for a free consultation at (718) 233-3913.

1. There Are Over 4,000 Crashes Between Bikes and Motor Vehicles Each Year.

According to the New York City Department of Transportation (NYCDOT), there have been over 4,000 bicyclist injuries resulting from crashes involving motor vehicles every year for the past 5 years. In 2018, there were 4,304 citywide bike injuries.

2. Brooklyn Had the Most Bicyclist Injuries.

In looking at the number of bike injuries across the boroughs, Brooklyn had the largest number according to the most recent data available. Where a crash involved a motor vehicle, Brooklyn had 1,725 bicycle injuries, compared to Staten Island, which had only 62.

3. Pedestrians Are at Risk Too.

As noted in the NYCDOT bicycle crash data report, there were 270 pedestrian injuries in crashes with bicyclists not involving a motor vehicle. 

4. Bike Injuries Rose During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Studies show that bike injuries increased sharply at the beginning of the pandemic. For example, data collected from the NYPD and reported on by StreetsBlog NYC showed a 43% rise in bike injuries from March 9 to March 15, 2020, compared to the previous year. 

5. Most Bicycle Accidents are Preventable.

Tragically, most bicycle accidents are preventable caused by speeding, driver inattention, and failure to yield. Research shows that there were more reckless drivers during the pandemic, and people were more likely to speed, which may account for the higher number of bike injuries in the city.

6. Despite Efforts to Add More Bike Lanes, Bicyclist Fatalities Are Still High.

As reported in the New York Daily News, a record number of bike lane miles were installed throughout the city in 2020. Over 28 miles of protected bike lanes were set up, but there were still 24 bicyclist fatalities. 

7. New Bicycle Paths Still Raise Safety Concerns.

The newly constructed shared-use path for pedestrians and bicyclists at the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge immediately caused concern for users. The pathway, according to ABC 7 News, had drawn tens of thousands of visitors during its opening weeks, resulting in multiple accidents. Some have raised concerns over whether the path is too narrow for its multipurpose use.

8. Men Are More Likely to Be Involved in Bicycle Accidents.

The New York State Department of Health reports that men between the ages of 15-19 and 20-24 are the most likely age group to be involved in motor vehicle-related bicycle accidents in the state.

9. Thousands of New Yorkers Are Hospitalized for Bike Injuries Each Year.

On average, bicycle accidents result in 3,795 emergency department visits each year. Common injuries include broken bones, lacerations, and head trauma.

10. Bicycle Fatalities Occur Most Often on Streets Without Bicycle Facilities.

According to a study by the NYCDOT, the vast majority of bicycle fatalities on streets that did not have facilities for bicycles, including protected bike lanes. Studies also showed that most bicycle accidents resulting in death or serious injury occurred at intersections.

Hurt in a Bicycle Accident? Contact Ajlouny Injury Law for a Free Consultation

Have you been hurt in a bicycle accident? Contact Ajlouny Injury Law for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our lawyers will work hard to get you the recovery you deserve after a devastating injury or the loss of a loved one. 
We have a proven track record of success, winning compensation for our clients for over 35 years. Call (718) 233-3913 to get started. We represent clients throughout New York City and beyond.