Oregon bicycle accident statistics cyclists should know

Luckily, Oregon is a relatively safe state to be a cyclist. The League of American Bicyclists listed Oregon as the second friendliest state to cyclists in the country based on its commitment to promoting cycling and cycling safety.

Of 45,295 total crashes reported to the Oregon Department of Transportation in 2021, only 454 involved cyclists. Eighteen of those cyclists were killed. These numbers are lower than in other states, especially given ridership numbers, but riding a bicycle isn’t a risk-free activity. Importantly, any transportation department crash data only includes information on crashes involving motor vehicles. This leaves out cycling crashes that could happen during a race, on a casual ride, or because a cyclist hit—or almost hit—an object, person, or animal. The overall injury rate from cycling is likely much higher than these numbers though the injury severity may vary.

According to data collected by The Oregonian, Corvallis and Portland are the number one and two most dangerous cities for cyclists in Oregon. Despite investment into safer cycling infrastructure, Portland’s fatal bicycle crash rates haven’t changed over the last decade. More men than women are regularly riding bicycles in urban areas though that could easily change—areas with safer and more comfortable biking conditions have more equal breakdowns in rider age and gender.

Bicycle laws in Oregon everyone should follow

When cycling in Oregon, it’s important to know and follow the laws. Being in compliance with all laws and regulations makes it more likely you’ll be fully compensated if you’re in a bicycle crash. Unfortunately, while crashes are often out of a rider’s control, following the rules of the road is something everyone can do.

In Oregon, bicycles are considered vehicles. This gives them equal access to all roads but also requires cyclists to follow all road signs and laws. Oregon DUI and DUII (driving under the influence of intoxicant) laws apply to anyone on a bicycle as well as those operating motor vehicles.

While riders over 16 years old aren’t required to wear helmets in Oregon, studies have shown that wearing a helmet is always beneficial to riders in the case of a cycling accident.

Adults can carry a child in a backpack or a sling in Oregon but bicycles should only carry the number of passengers they were designed for.  

Staying visible isn’t just a safety feature, it’s required by law in Oregon. All cyclists need to have a white front-facing headlight and a red rear reflector or light bright enough to be visible from 500 feet away at night.

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Why hire an Oregon bicycle accident lawyer?

Crashes involving a motor vehicle are the most dangerous type of accident for a cyclist to get into and often the type that results in a fatality. However, it’s not the only type of crash.

Poor road conditions and a lack of infrastructure are among the biggest reasons that keep people from cycling more often. It also leads to crashes. The majority of bicycle accidents aren’t collisions with another vehicle but a solo accident, often caused by a problem or hazard in the road. Children are injured more often while riding a bicycle than adults.  

Just because you got into a solo accident doesn’t mean another party wasn’t at fault. The government is responsible for the condition of the roads. A racing bicycle or e-bike can easily cost thousands of dollars and damage from potholes or other road issues can sometimes be recovered from local government departments. If a crash occurred and was another person or domestic animal’s fault, a bicycle injury lawyer can work with you to get compensation. 

Many cyclists carry automobile insurance that covers their bicycles as well as health insurance. In the case of a solo-accident, an experienced bicycle injury lawyer can make sure you get the compensation you need from your own insurance to cover your claims.

Even a crash resulting in minor injuries can be expensive and difficult for crash victims and their loved ones. Time away from work, family responsibilities, and off the bicycle can be hard to catch up from. Hiring an attorney who understands all this can help you get a settlement that reflects the full cost of your injury.