Minnesota Crash Facts

In a recent survey, more than three-quarters of Minnesotans said that bicycling in the state is “very safe” or “somewhat safe.” Twenty-eight percent said that it is “very safe” and another 48 percent said it is “somewhat safe.”

Respondents were then asked, “In what way is bicycling less than safe?…”

• Thirty-seven percent cited a lack of bike lanes, paths and trails, or said that existing facilities were too narrow. Mn/DOT plans for continuing to enhance these facilities are described in the department’s official Bicycle Modal Plan.

• Thirty-four percent cited unsafe driver behavior.

• Twenty-six percent cited unsafe bicyclist behavior.

Unsafe driver and bicyclist behaviors that contribute to bicycle-motor vehicle collisions are described below. (See Prior Action of Bicyclists Involved in 2006 Crashes and Contributing Factors in 2006 Bicycle Crashes.)

Demographics of Crash Victims

In 2006, more than half of all crashes involved bicyclists were under the age of 25, according to data provided by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Office of Traffic Safety . About three-quarters—651 of 908 whose gender was reported—were males, and one-quarter were females.

Six of eight fatalities in 2006, were males, and two were female. Further, deaths are concentrated among younger cyclists— 7 were 24 years of age or younger.

Children’s bicycle safety is, of course, vitally important. Why, then, does “Share the Road” focus on the safety of adult bicyclists? There are many outstanding bicycle safety programs that target children—see Children’s Bicycle Safety for more information. Meanwhile, there is no public program promoting adult bicycle safety and there is a clear need for such a program. This is that program.

Prior Action of Bicyclists Involved in 2006 Crashes

Minnesota accident reporting makes note of the actions taken by bicyclists, if known, prior to a collision with a motor vehicle. These numbers are consistent with the fact that most crashes occur when a bicycle and a motor vehicle converge on crossing paths at an intersection, and when they are both moving in the same direction. It is illegal and dangerous, meanwhile, for a bicyclist to ride against traffic on the wrong side of the road.

Contributing Factors

Minnesota accident reporting assigns up to two contributing factors each to bicyclists and motorists involved in a collision. Once again, the failure to yield the right of way—combined with disregard for traffic control devices—accounts for more than one-third of contributing factors, both for bicyclists and motorists.