| Read Time: 4 minutes | Bike Accidents
atlanta bicycle accident statistics

Bicycling in Atlanta offers an affordable, eco-friendly transportation option. But if you’ve ever rode in the Atlanta area, you know cycling comes with risks.

Understanding where and in what situations bike accidents happen can help you protect yourself and your loved ones on the road.

At MG Law, we focus on helping injured cyclists and their families navigate the legal process after accidents. Our attorneys have the experience and dedication to fight for your rights, ensuring you’re not left facing the aftermath of an accident alone.

If you’ve been involved in a bicycle accident, the experienced Atlanta bike injury attorneys at MG Law are here to help you recover compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and other losses. 

For a free consultation, please don’t hesitate to call (770) 988-5252 or send us an online message today.

Georgia Bicycle Accident Statistics

In April 2024, the Georgia Governor’s Office of Highway Safety released a fact sheet providing an overview of cyclist fatalities, serious injuries, and crashes on Georgia roadways.

Twenty-Nine Cyclists Died in Crashes in 2022

A significant factor in cycling fatalities is the growing reliance on bicycles as a primary mode of transportation. As people seek cheaper, more environmentally friendly alternatives to driving, bicycles have become increasingly popular, especially in urban settings.

Unfortunately, this has led to more accidents, as reflected in bicycle injury statistics in Atlanta. In 2022, Georgia saw a tragic rise in bike accident fatalities, with 29 cyclists losing their lives in crashes, a significant increase from 2021, when 15 cyclists were killed. 

Unlike car drivers, cyclists don’t have the protection of a metal frame, airbag, or seatbelt. Instead, their bodies are exposed, making injuries like broken bones, head trauma, internal injuries, and even death more common in collisions.

Bicycle Accidents Are More Frequent in Urban Areas

In urban areas like Atlanta, the frequency of bicycle accidents is notably higher. In 2022, Atlanta had a bike crash rate of 7.75 per 100,000 people, while other urban areas saw rates as high as 9.54 per 100,000. Comparatively, rural areas saw a much lower crash rate of 4.15 per 100,000 people.

One reason for this urban concentration is the reliance on bicycles for daily transportation. It’s easier to rely on bikes for transportation in urban areas where things are closer together and you don’t necessarily have to ride for miles to get to your destination.

Thirty-Two Percent of Bicycle Accidents in Rural Areas Result in Fatal or Serious Injury

Although bicycle accidents are more frequent in urban areas, rural areas see a higher rate of fatal or serious injuries. In Atlanta, 12% of bicycle accidents result in serious harm or death, compared to 22% in other urban areas. In rural areas, however, that number jumps to 32%. 

Several factors contribute to the heightened risk of serious injury in rural bicycle accidents:

  • Lack of bike lanes,
  • Higher vehicle speeds,
  • Poorly marked or unsafe intersections,
  • Limited street lighting, and
  • Longer emergency response times.

These factors create a more dangerous environment for cyclists in rural areas, making it even more important for riders to take precautions when traveling on less populated roads.

Fifty-Five Percent of Bicycle Accidents Happen at Intersections

One of the most dangerous spots for cyclists is at intersections, where 55% of bicycle accidents occur. Intersections are chaotic zones where cars, cyclists, and pedestrians converge, leading to confusion over the right of way.

Intersections are hazardous because they require cyclists to navigate unpredictable driver behavior, such as sudden turns or failure to yield. Without dedicated bicycle signals or clear right-of-way rules, cyclists are left vulnerable to being hit by vehicles. City planners need to consider safer designs for intersections to reduce these preventable accidents.

Two-Thirds of Bicycle Crashes Happened During Daylight

Despite the common assumption that nighttime riding is more dangerous, 67% of bicycle accidents in Atlanta happen during daylight hours. Most people are out on their bikes during daylight hours, commuting to work, school, or running errands. With higher traffic volumes during these hours, the risk of an accident increases.

Cyclists can reduce their chances of accidents by wearing bright clothing, using reflective gear, and staying within designated bike lanes whenever possible. Remaining aware of their surroundings and anticipating driver behavior is also crucial to staying safe on the road.

Sixty-Four Percent of Bicyclists Fatally Injured from 2020 to 2022 Were Not Wearing Helmets

One of the particularly striking Atlanta bicycle accident statistics is that 64% of bicyclists killed in accidents from 2020 to 2022 were not wearing helmets. This statistic highlights the critical importance of wearing protective gear, especially helmets.

Head injuries are among the most severe and life-threatening consequences of bicycle accidents. While other injuries might heal, traumatic brain injuries can have lifelong consequences or result in death.

Top Contributing Factors among Serious Injury or Fatal Pedestrian Crashes

Contact a Personal Injury Attorney with Knowledge of Atlanta Bike Accidents

Bicycling is an increasingly popular mode of transportation in Atlanta, but it comes with risks. Whether riding in urban or rural areas, staying vigilant and following traffic rules is essential. 

If you or a loved one has been involved in a bicycle accident, MG Law is here to help. Our team has years of experience handling bicycle accident cases and fighting for the rights of injured cyclists.

Contact us online or call (770) 988-5252 today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options and how we can help you recover compensation for your injuries.

Author Photo

Amer Ahmad is a trial lawyer at MG Law. He represents seriously injured clients who are going through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Amer’s practice includes representing families in wrongful death cases and individuals seriously injured by motor vehicle accidents, negligently maintained premises, and defective products. As a former insurance attorney who knows the insurance companies’ playbook, he helps MG Law clients even the playing field and avoid insurance tricks. Due to his experience and results, Amer has been named a Georgia Rising Star by Super Lawyers and Atlanta Magazine from 2019 until 2024. Only 2.5% of all lawyers in Georgia are selected as Rising Stars.