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The Bicycle Boom of 2020: What It Means for 2021

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May 9, 2021 Bicycle Accidents

May is Bicycle Safety Month, and the US Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) encourages bicyclists and drivers alike to share the road, obey traffic laws, and respect each other’s rights. At Fuicelli & Lee, we honor Bicycle Safety Month by sharing current data, safety tips, and encouraging awareness with a bicycle giveaway! Follow us on Facebook for details on how to win a new bike!

Last May, bicycle safety was a little different than usual. In response to gym shutdowns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of people ran to their nearest bicycle shop and picked up a new bike. What better way to stay active and social distance at the same time? This led to what is being called the Bicycle Boom of 2020. Bicycle shops were out of inventory, wait lists were long, and people anxious to get outdoors were turning to Craigslist, Next Door, and other community-based forums to buy and sell bicycles. Bicycle sales are still at an all-time high a year later since the pandemic and leisure bicycle sales are up 121% in the United States.

“One in 10 American adults reported having ridden a bike for the first time in a year (or longer) since the onset of COVID-19.” (People for Bikes.org)

During the pandemic, bicycle riding became a new norm of transportation. Many city dwellers sold their cars and started riding their bikes to work, several metropolitan cities closed roads to provide safe areas for locals to leisurely bicycle through town, and cities like Seattle are preventing bike and car collisions by adding bike lanes and even designating certain streets as “bike only” streets. Denver has committed to installing 125 miles of bike lanes by 2023, including neighborhood bikeways, which are streets designed to slow down vehicle traffic and encouraging walking and biking. (Denverite.com)

Despite vehicle traffic being cut down 41% during the pandemic, the NHTSA says there were 675 cyclists killed in 2020. Compare that to 2019, when 846 bicyclists lost their lives in bicycle-related accidents. “A recent poll of 1,000 Americans concluded that 50 percent plan to ride bikes more often post-pandemic. Biking levels in the western United States increased by 253% in late April.” (uci.org)

As we enter Spring of 2021, bike shops have stocked up on inventory and are ready to meet the demand. Cities are slowly starting to open back up, and after over a year in quarantine, Americans are ready to get some much-needed fresh air. Many have adapted to life without a car, making a bicycle their preferred method of transportation. As both drivers and bicyclists are getting ready to start exploring this post-pandemic world, our roads are about to get a lot busier. Whether you choose to drive or bike, it is critical to follow the rules of the road and be on the look out for your fellow citizens.

If you choose to pedal your way through the city, here are some safety tips:

  • Wear a Helmet
  • Familiarize yourself with the local Rules of the Road
  • Be Predictable
  • Always Stay Alert!
  • Look Before Turning
  • Watch for Parked Cars

Whether you are behind the handlebars or behind a steering wheel, it is imperative to practice good bicycle and driving safety when on the roads.

Should you find yourself injured in a bicycle accident, call our team of experienced bicycle accident attorneys at 303-355-7202 for a free case evaluation to discuss how we can help you get back on your feet and recover compensation for your injuries.