Bicycles
NHTSA encourages bicycling as an alternative mode of transportation to motor vehicle travel and encourages the adoption of mutual respect between motorists and bicyclists to enhance safety for all road users, including bicyclists. Bicycles on the roadway are, by law, vehicles with the same rights, and responsibilities as motorized vehicles. Our bicycle safety programs focus on the behaviors of bicyclists and motorists towards bicyclists to reduce bicycle injuries and fatalities on our nation’s roadways.
Did you know?
- The 630 pedalcyclist deaths in 2009 accounted for 2 percent of all traffic fatalities during the year.
- 51,000 pedalcyclists were injured in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2009; 17% (or about 8,000) of the pedalcyclists who were injured were age 14 and younger.
- Bicycle helmet laws have proved effective in increasing bicycle helmet use.
- Each State should develop and implement a comprehensive bicycle safety program that promotes safe practices, and educates drivers to share the road with others.