How many people get hurt each year in bicycle accidents?

DEATHS AND INJURIES In 1995, more than 250 children ages 14 and under died in bicycle-related crashes. Motor vehicles were involved in 230 of these deaths. In 1996, more than 350,000 children ages 14 and under were treated in hospital emergency rooms for bicycle-related injuries. It is estimated that collisions with motor vehicles account for 90 percent of all bicycle-related deaths and 10 percent of all nonfatal bicycle-related injuries. Collision with a motor vehicle increases the risk of death, severity of injury, and the probability of sustaining a head injury. More than 40 percent of all head injury-related deaths and approximately three-fourths of head injuries occur among children ages 14 and under. Younger children suffer a higher proportion of head injuries than older children. WHEN AND WHERE BICYCLE DEATHS AND INJURIES OCCUR Children are more likely to die from bicycle crashes at non-intersection locations (66 percent), during the months of May to August (55 percent), and between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. (39 percent). Nearly 60 percent of all childhood bicycle-related deaths occur on minor roads. The typical bicycle/motor vehicle crash occurs within one mile of the bicyclist's home. Children ages 14 and under are more likely to be injured riding in non-daylight hours (e.g., at dawn, dusk or night). The risk of sustaining an injury during non-daylight conditions is nearly four times greater than during the daytime. Among children ages 14 and under, more than 80 percent of bicycle-related fatalities are associated with the bicyclist's behavior. The most common crashes include riding into a street without stopping; turning left or swerving into traffic that is coming from behind; running a stop sign; and riding against the flow of traffic.