Safety and Education Committee Report - Archive

How safe is Bicycling?

Everything we do involves a certain amount of risk. The amount of exposure to a hazard determines the risk; last year the odds of dying (nationwide, about 900/year) while bicycling were almost the same as those for falling from furniture (bed, chair, etc) according to the NSC’s (National Safety Council) 2004 report. Data collected by several different groups have isolated the risk factors. Fortunately, many bicycling risks can be reduced quite easily.

Traumatic brain injuries are the leading cause of death and disability for young people in New Hampshire (The Brain Injury Association of America). As of January 1, 2006, children under 16 are required to wear a helmet while bicycling. The GSW requires helmet use for its rides. In over 90% of all bicycle fatalities the operator was not wearing a helmet (National Highway Traffic Safety Council).

Bicyclists have the same rights and duties as drivers of motor vehicles (RSA 265:143). Obviously, “the more you act like a car the safer you are”. We all know many bicyclists are “special” and have their own rules of the road. It is no surprise that the vast majority of bicycle fatalities involve someone breaking the law. As bicyclists we should obey the law and educate the ignorant whenever possible.

Front and rear lighting is required when operating a bicycle after dark (RSA 266:86). Some bicyclists choose to ignore this law and a few each year “ride dark and die”.

Obeying the law and taking reasonable safety precautions greatly reduces the risks of bicycling. Regular exercise has proven health benefits. Smoking and obesity related illnesses caused by a sedentary lifestyle are the leading causes of death (Surgeon General). You are safer bicycling than being an over-weight or smoking “sofa-slug”.

Bill Fisk- Safety and Education

Safety and Education Coordinator