What Are the Most Common Causes of Michigan Bicycle Accidents?

According to Michigan Traffic Crash Facts, in 2024 there were 1,790 bicyclists involved in motor vehicle accidents. In these crashes, 29 bicyclists died. Like motorcycles, bicycles offer minimal protection from the impact of a crash, especially when hit by a car or truck. While wearing a bike helmet offers some protection, a cyclist is far more likely to be killed or suffer serious injuries in a collision with a motor vehicle or stationary object such as a tree.

Michigan bicycle accidents happen for a variety of reasons, but many can be prevented by following certain safety protocols. If you or a loved one is injured in a crash, a Michigan bicycle accident attorney can help. Here is a guide to the most common causes of bicycle accidents, along with some safety recommendations for drivers and cyclists.

DO BICYCLISTS HAVE TO OBEY MICHIGAN TRAFFIC LAWS?

Generally, yes. According to the Michigan Vehicle Code, bicyclists must follow the same basic traffic laws as motorists.

This means bicyclists must obey all traffic lights, stop signs and other posted directives. They are required to travel on the right half of the road, following the flow of traffic, and may not ride more than two abreast. It is also illegal to ride a bicycle on a freeway or expressway. Additionally, bicyclists are subject to specific regulations regarding hand signals, lights and other safety-related issues. Cyclists who violate these statutes can be ticketed just like automobile drivers.

WHAT ARE THE MOST FREQUENT CAUSES OF MICHIGAN BICYCLE ACCIDENTS?

Staying safe means staying informed. There are two main types of bicycle accidents:

Single-bicycle crashes

These accidents occur when a cyclist loses control and falls due to hazardous weather, icy roads or unexpected obstacles.

Accidents involving a motor vehicle, either directly or indirectly

These crashes typically result in more serious injuries, especially when a bicyclist is struck by a moving vehicle.

The following is a list of the most common causes of Michigan bicycle accidents:

• Motorists failing to yield the right of way to cyclists
• Excessive speeding
• Driving (or cycling) under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Distracted driving or bicycling, such as texting or using a hand-held cell phone
• Changing lanes suddenly or without signaling
• Failing to allow three feet of clearance, or five feet in certain municipalities, when passing bicyclists
• Backing out of driveways or parking spaces without looking
• Disobeying traffic signals, stop signs and other rules of the road
• Bicyclists chased or attacked by a dog while riding
• Weaving in and out of lanes or other unpredictable behavior
• Bicycling after dark without required lighting equipment and other visibility aids such as reflective clothing or accessories
• Disobeying Michigan’s three-foot passing law and forcing a cyclist to swerve out of the way

Wearing a helmet and staying aware of your surroundings can help bicyclists avoid a crash, but accidents happen. If you or a loved one is involved in a bicycle crash caused by a motor vehicle, a knowledgeable bicycle accident attorney can help.

CIRCUMSTANCES OF MICHIGAN BICYCLE ACCIDENTS

The majority of bicycle accidents happen in the warmest months of the year. In 2024, 257 crashes involving bicycles occurred in August, more than in any other month. Surprisingly, the highest number of bicycle-related accidents were on Mondays rather than during the weekend. And, the largest number of Michigan bicycle accidents in a single hour (199) happened between 4 p.m. and 4:59 p.m.

Of the 29 cyclists killed in accidents in 2024, 26 were male while three were female. The highest number of deaths (eight) occurred among males in the 55-64 age group.

ARE MICHIGAN BICYCLISTS REQUIRED TO WEAR HELMETS?

While Michigan does not have a statewide helmet law for bicyclists, some municipalities have enacted their own ordinances. For example, the City of Farmington Hills, Michigan, requires anyone under the age of 16 to wear a helmet when rollerblading or riding a bicycle or skateboard, and helmets are mandatory for cyclists under 18 in East Grand Rapids. Although adults are not legally required to wear helmets, numerous studies show that a properly fitted bike helmet reduces the potential for serious head injuries in the event of a Michigan bicycle accident.

OUR EXPERIENCED MICHIGAN BICYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYERS FIGHT FOR THE COMPENSATION YOU DESERVE

If you or a loved one is injured in a bicycle accident, we can help. Our skilled legal team knows what it takes to win your case, and we have the expertise and resources to make sure you receive all the benefits you and your family are entitled to.

Bicycle accident law is complicated, but finding the right Michigan bicycle accident lawyer is simple.

Don’t let the legal clock run out. To get your case started, fill out the brief form below or contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.