Bicycle-related crashes peak during summer months: ICBC

An average of 150 cyclists are injured each month in British Columbia from May to October, according to the Insurance Corporation of British Columbia. Crashes involving cyclists peak during this time, according to the government insurer. 

According to crash data from 2008 to 2012 and fatality to data from 2007 to 2011, the Lower Mainland sees annually, on average, 600 cyclists injured and four killed from May to October.

On Vancouver Island, on average, 170 cyclists are injured and one killed from May to October every year.

In the Southern Interior, on average, 100 cyclists are injured and two killed from May to October every year, while in the North Central region, on average, 20 cyclists are injured and one killed from May to October every year.

“Too often police officers see the devastating results of a crash between a bicycle and a vehicle,” said Chief Constable Jamie Graham, Victoria Police Department and Traffic Safety Committee Chair of the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police.

This devastation was, unfortunately, seen on the Stanley Park Causeway in the early evening of May 25, when a woman riding on the sidewalk into Vancouver fell into traffic and was struck by a West Vancouver Transit bus.

It is early in the investigation and investigators will be speaking with witnesses and reviewing video to determine what occurred prior to the woman falling onto the roadway.

As more cyclists head out on the road thanks to the warmer weather and Bike to Work Week, May 27 to June 2, the ICBC is asking drivers and cyclists to share the roads and keep everyone safe.

“I regularly commute to work on my bike and I know how important it is for drivers and cyclists to be aware of each other on our roads at this time of year,” said John Dickinson, ICBC’s director of road safety.

Bike to work week today! twitter.com/oliviachow/sta…

— Olivia Chow (@oliviachow) May 27, 2013

“As a cyclist, I never assume drivers can see me and use multiple lights on the front and rear of my bike. When I’m driving, I give cyclists plenty of room so they’re able to react to the unexpected such as a car door suddenly opening into their path.”

“Whether you’re a recreational cyclist or cycle to and from work, it’s important to always wear your helmet and follow the rules of the road,” Chief Const. Graham added. “These crashes can be prevented – drivers and cyclists need to watch for each other at all times and use eye contact and hand signals to help anticipate each other’s next move.”

ICBC has created an online cyclist crash map, which shows how many crashes involving cyclists are happening in one neighbourhood.

The corporation has created a list of tips for cyclists and drivers on how to share the road:

Cyclists:

• It’s important to perform regular maintenance and safety checks on your bike to prevent mechanical breakdown. Check the tires and that both the front and rear brakes are working properly and clean, inspect and lubricate the gear, chain and derailleur.

• Look for signs of wear on your helmet and make sure you use an approved bicycle helmet that meets safety standards. It’s the law in B.C. and you could be fined for not wearing one. Bike helmets can prevent up to 85% of serious injuries, which account for 80% of all related deaths.

• Position yourself so other road users can easily see you – don’t weave in and out of traffic and avoid riding in the blind spots of vehicles. When turning, always hand signal well in advance of any turn. First shoulder check, then hand signal and then with both hands on the handlebars, shoulder check again before turning.

• Wear bright, reflective clothing so you’re as visible as possible. If you ride at night, you’re required to equip your bike with a white headlight visible at 150 metres and a rear red light and reflector visible at 100 metres but consider adding more lights for increased visibility. Even still, never assume a vehicle has seen you – even when you have the right of way.

• Plan your route before you set off. If you’re new to cycling, take routes that are less busy and use bike lanes when possible. Cyclists must follow the rules of the road just like any other vehicle.

Drivers:

• You should always actively look for cyclists in traffic. Wherever possible, make eye contact to let them know you have seen them. A cyclist often relies on eye contact as a means of communication as they try to anticipate your next move. 

• Make yourself familiar with the hand signals that cyclists use.

• Shoulder checking is very important, especially when making right-hand turns at intersections and before you open your door to get out of your vehicle. When passing another vehicle, make sure you check for oncoming cyclists ahead of the vehicle you are passing. If you want to pass a cyclist, make sure there is enough space as a significant number of cyclist crashes result from side-swiping.

• Drivers must yield to cyclists as they do any other vehicle and should maintain at least three seconds of following distance. Cyclists sometimes need to react quickly and unexpectedly to avoid hazards on the road so an increased distance will give you more time to safely react. 

• Do not drive, stop or park in a bike lane. If you need to cross a bike lane to turn right, or to pull to the side of the road, take extra care, signal well in advance and always yield to cyclists.

• Don’t honk your horn at a cyclist unless you need to give them a warning. A loud honk could startle them or even cause them to fall.