Cycling is becoming increasingly popular across the United States as Americans seek healthier lifestyles, lower transportation costs, and environmentally friendly alternatives to driving. But new research conducted by H&P Law suggests the rise in bicycling is coinciding with a troubling increase in fatal crashes involving cyclists.
Released during National Bike Month, the study analyzed national bicyclist fatality trends, commuter data, and roadway safety conditions to determine where bicycling is safest and where cyclists face the greatest risks.
The findings reveal a growing contradiction in American transportation: while bicycling participation continues increasing, the roads themselves remain increasingly dangerous for riders.
The number of Americans biking to work has steadily rebounded following pandemic-era disruptions. By 2024, more than 800,000 workers reportedly commuted by bicycle nationwide, while millions more used bicycles recreationally or socially. National travel estimates suggest Americans took approximately 2.2 billion bicycle trips in 2022 alone.
That growth reflects broader cultural and economic trends.
Cycling offers cardiovascular health benefits, reduced fuel expenses, lower environmental impact, and an alternative to traffic congestion in crowded metro areas. Many younger Americans also increasingly favor multimodal transportation systems that combine biking, walking, and public transit.
However, rising ridership has also exposed significant safety weaknesses.
According to the study, bicyclist fatalities have increased dramatically over the last decade, with roadway deaths involving cyclists rising approximately 87% since 2010.
Researchers found springtime presents especially elevated risks.
March through May consistently recorded higher bicyclist fatality rates nationwide, coinciding with warmer weather and increased cycling activity during National Bike Month and Bike to Work Week events. In many states, fatality rates during this period significantly exceeded national averages.
Part of the problem may simply be exposure.
More bicyclists on the road naturally create more opportunities for vehicle conflicts, especially in dense urban areas or regions lacking dedicated cycling infrastructure. But the research suggests exposure alone does not explain the severity of the increase.
Road design remains a major factor.
Many American roads still lack protected bike lanes, separated cycling corridors, safe intersections, or traffic-calming measures that reduce vehicle speeds near cyclists. Riders are frequently forced into direct proximity with fast-moving traffic, particularly in suburban and rural areas where cycling infrastructure remains limited.
The study highlighted significant differences between states.
Some states recorded dramatic increases in bicyclist commuter fatalities between recent five-year periods, including Mississippi, Alaska, Oregon, Louisiana, and Arizona.
Meanwhile, states and communities with stronger bicycle infrastructure generally produced lower fatality rates.
Researchers also pointed toward behavioral risks affecting both drivers and cyclists.
Vehicle speed remains one of the most important determinants of survival in cyclist collisions. Even modest increases in speed sharply raise fatality risks during impacts involving bicyclists.
At the same time, helmet use remains inconsistent despite evidence showing helmets substantially reduce the severity of head injuries. Researchers found many adult cyclists still do not wear helmets regularly even though traumatic brain injuries remain among the most common severe bicycle crash injuries.
Alcohol impairment was another recurring issue identified in the study. In a notable percentage of fatal bicycle crashes annually, cyclists involved were reportedly above the legal alcohol limit.
Still, researchers emphasized that safer infrastructure could reduce risks regardless of individual behavior.
Protected bike lanes, redesigned intersections, lower speed environments, and clearer roadway separation between cyclists and vehicles all consistently correlate with improved safety outcomes. Some studies cited in the research suggest physically separated bike lanes may reduce cyclist injury risk dramatically.
The growing popularity of cycling means transportation systems may increasingly face pressure to adapt.
Public health officials continue encouraging biking as a way to combat obesity, improve cardiovascular health, reduce emissions, and decrease dependence on automobiles. Yet those goals may become harder to achieve if safety concerns discourage potential riders from using bicycles regularly.
The study ultimately presents bicyclist safety as both a transportation issue and a public health challenge.
As more Americans embrace cycling for commuting and recreation, researchers suggest roadway infrastructure, driver awareness, and urban planning will need to evolve rapidly to prevent the continued rise in bicyclist fatalities nationwide.
