Home

More and more people are realizing that bicycles are a great way to get exercise and an efficient way to travel. This also means that more people should be aware of the dangers of riding a bicycle on public roadways.  Bicycle riders also should know the applicable laws - what they are and are not legally allowed to do. On this page, you can find bicycle safety statistics as well as the Code of Alabama that refers to bicycle operation on roadways. In the sidebar, there are some links to government websites dedicated to bicycle safety.

Bicycle crash statistics

Fatalities

Bicycle crash deaths are not as high as they have been in the past decade, but any bicyclist fatality is of great concern.  Bicycle deaths make up approximately 2% of all traffic related deaths.  To get this number to zero where it belongs, it will take more effort both from the bicyclists and all vehicle drivers.  Most drivers when asked why they pulled out in front of bicyclist state: "I never saw him/her."  This is true because many drivers do not look for cyclists (both bicyclists and motorcyclists have this problem), especially when distracted or in a hurry.  Many drivers are looking for cars and trucks, and they just fail to perceive that they are putting a bicyclist in danger.  Drivers need to correct this and pay special attention to cyclists and pedestrians, since they are particularly vulnerable.  But cyclists also need to be aware that drivers may not see them and drive defensively around cars.  Finally, then need to recognize that it is illegal to operate a bicycle under the effects of alcohol; and that alcohol is involved in 37% of all bicycle related deaths.

Helmets

 
What is wrong with this picture?        

This table shows the difference in deaths between bikers wearing a helmet and not wearing a helmet.  

Bicycles must adhere to the same laws as vehicles when used on roadways. Below are articles 12 and 13 from the Code of Alabama, which deal with proper use of bicycles on roads.

Alabama state code

Article 12 - Bicycles and Play Vehicles

• Traffic laws apply to persons riding bicycles.
• Riding on bicycles.
• Clinging to vehicles.
• Riding on roadways and bicycle paths.
• Carrying articles.
• Lamps and other equipment on bicycles.
• Violations of article as misdemeanor; responsibility of parent or guardian; applicability of article.

Article 13 Bicycle Safety

• Short title
• Definitions.
• Purpose.
• Unlawful for person to use bicycle under certain conditions.
• Duties of person regularly engaged in renting bicycles.
• Statewide bicycle safety education program; manner violations handled.
• Establishment of more comprehensive bicycle safety program by ordinance.