Modesto cyclists face a ridiculous amount of traffic hazards on each ride. It’s all due to the careless actions of local drivers.
At Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers of Modesto, we want to make sure all drivers can see the impact their carelessness has on local bicyclists and their families each year. We commissioned a traffic study of the most recent accident data to help remind motorists why they should slow down anytime they see a rider in the lane or near the road.
How Many Bicycle Accidents Happen in Modesto Each Year?
Modesto has averaged around 76 bicycle accidents involving injury over the last five years.
Some Modesto cyclists may stick to greenways and trails when they ride. Others will get closer to traffic to take advantage of bike lanes, like those found along Standiford Avenue. Some riders will have to share the lanes with cars when bike lanes aren’t present.
Bicyclists have every right to the road, the same as any motorist, but drivers don’t always maintain the focus they need to keep cyclists safe.
California’s Transportation Injury Mapping System (TIMS) reports that in 2023, the city registered 66 serious bicycle accidents. That was down a bit from figures from the past few years and higher numbers before the pandemic. We await final 2024 statistics to be released to see if any improvement has been achieved.
Modesto generally endures one or two tragic bicycle accidents a year that result in fatalities. However, in 2022, there was a spike in these heartbreaking incidents. At least four Modesto victims lost their lives for the year. Some bicyclists don’t lose their lives, but do suffer life-changing injuries like broken bones, head trauma, and permanent disfigurement.
How Many Bicycle Accidents Are There in Stanislaus County Each Year?
The total number of bicycle accidents in Stanislaus County goes beyond Modesto incidents. Places like Turlock and Ceres also contribute to the discouraging numbers each year. Stanislaus County averaged around 130 bicycle collisions involving injury over the past 5 or so years.
TIMS recorded around 136 bicycle accidents involving injury in 2023, leading to at least 4 tragic deaths.
The 2023 figure for the county, in turn, contributes to the yearly bicycle accident toll in California. According to the California Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 134 bicycle accident deaths in the state in 2023 and 199 deaths in 2022. Widening the scope, the U.S. reported an average of around 944 bicycle deaths a year between 2018-2022. That’s according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
How Many Children Are Hurt in Bicycle Accidents in Modesto?
Over the last five years, Modesto saw an average of 10 children (15 and under) a year injured in bike accidents
Of the 66 serious bicycle collisions reported in our city in 2023, at least 8 of the victims were ages 15 or under.
Children’s bodies are less able to withstand the force of a car impact. Their injuries can also linger and even affect their development as they reach adulthood. It’s important they receive the support they’ll need from an at-fault driver’s car insurance provider. This support must cover the child’s immediate needs and the future costs of care that may be required.
Safe Rides for Modesto Cyclists in 2025 and Beyond
Cyclists should be able to count on more caution shown by local drivers. It’s the only thing that can reduce the number of bicycle collisions and cyclist injuries for the rest of the year and beyond.
At Maison Law Accident & Injury Lawyers of Modesto, we are advocates for safe rides for all California cyclists.
If you are hurt by a careless driver, contact a skilled Modesto bicycle accident lawyer and schedule a free consultation. It’s a no-risk way to determine what your injury is worth and how to hold an at-fault party responsible.