Oklahoma City is a great place to live and work, but there’s room for improvement to keep those who cycle across our city safer.
Ylla|Gosney Attorneys at Law is an advocate for safe rides for cyclists of all ages across OKC. We wanted to spotlight recent bicycle accident numbers in our city to serve as a reminder to all local motorists. Hopefully, the shocking numbers will convince local drivers to slow down and take notice of riders around them. Maybe then, accident rates will fall.
How Many Bicycle Accidents Are There in Oklahoma City Each Year?
Many bicyclists enjoy rides far away from traffic along bike paths like the West River Trail. Others use the bicycle lanes provided along some streets like Shartel Avenue or around Lake Hefner on Lakeshore Drive. Some cyclists desire longer trips or just need to get somewhere and must use streets without bike lanes. They have every right to the lane, just like any motorist, but counting on distracted drivers to give them room to ride is another matter.
Accidents can happen and cyclists can suffer devastating injuries. Oklahoma City averages around 94 bicycle accidents a year according to the latest official accident statistics available. In 2021, the Oklahoma Highway Safety Office (OHSO) documented at least 88 bicycle accidents across the city. That was a slight downturn from 2020 statistics.
According to the OHSO, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. was the worst time for bicycle accidents in OKC in 2021. Friday was the worst day for accidents and for some reason September saw the most bicycle accidents, more than any other month of the year.
Bicyclists ride very vulnerable when they are forced to travel alongside large, fast-moving cars, SUVs, and trucks. They can absorb powerful impacts with the vehicle and then with the road surface. Life-threatening injuries are common.
The OHSO reports there were at least 10 bicycle accidents involving serious injuries in Oklahoma City in 2021. Those accidents led to at least two tragic deaths in 2021.
Are Hit-And-Run Bicycle Accidents a Problem in OKC?
Yes. The OHSO recorded at least 29 hit-and-run bicycle accidents in Oklahoma City in 2021. Those accidents led to at least one fatality. Far too many car vs. bicycle collisions end with a careless driver speeding away and leaving a victim at the scene.
This unthinkable act often leaves a victim vulnerable to additional collisions and waiting longer for someone to report the accident. This delays life-saving care. A hit-and-run driver who isn’t identified also leaves patients and their families to pay for often massive medical bills.
Unfortunately, a look at the latest hit-and-run stats shows a surge in recent years.
Where Does Oklahoma Rank for Bicycle Accidents?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that Oklahoma recorded 12 bicycle fatalities in 2021. That ranks around 21st among all states and is around 1.6% of all Oklahoma traffic fatalities. By comparison, Florida saw the most fatal bicycle accidents with 197.
The OHSO recorded 291 bicycle accidents with and without injuries involved across the state in 2021. According to their figures, Oklahoma lost at least 13 precious lives to cycling accidents.
When looking at the overall picture of cycling safety for the nation, the toll on human lives is shocking. The NHTSA documented 966 bicycle fatalities in 2021 across the nation. That was up from 948 deaths in 2020. 2021’s figure accounted for 2.2 percent of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. What’s more, an estimated 41,615 Americans were injured in bicycle accidents.
Hoping for Safe Rides in 2024 and Beyond
Unfortunately, reminding careless drivers about the toll that bicycle collisions take each year won’t be enough to bring about change. Oklahoma City officials should be counted on to do more along our streets and parks to make conditions safer. More bike lanes and bike trails should be part of the growth of OKC. These projects should go hand and hand with road construction projects.
Unfortunately, drivers will continue to hit defenseless cyclists and riders will continue to face long and difficult recoveries. When these heartbreaking accidents occur, victims must receive the support they need to heal and get back on their bikes again. A skilled Oklahoma City Bicycle Accident Lawyer can help you seek justice and compensation after a collision. Please contact us to schedule a free case consultation if you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury.
