Learning to ride a bicycle is a rite of passage for many children and can become a hobby that boasts health benefits as well as practical ones. However, while riding around town is a great, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective alternative to driving, there are risks involved when one rides a bicycle on or across roads. Bicyclists, even when wearing helmets and other protective gear, are vulnerable on the road, and are more likely to be severely injured if they are tragically involved in a Maryland motor vehicle accident.
Collisions between bicycles and cars are rare but not unheard of. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedal cyclists deaths account for about 2.1% of motor vehicle traffic fatalities. In 2017, there were 864 Maryland crashes involving bicycles, with 725 resulting in injuries and 11 resulting in at least one death.
These accidents can be extremely tragic, especially since children are a significant portion of those riding bicycles. Last month, a child riding his bicycle around his neighborhood was hit while crossing the street, resulting in serious injuries. A local news report covering the incident stated that the child had to be airlifted to two different hospitals in the aftermath to be treated for his injuries. Apparently, the driver is fully cooperating with officials, and has not been charged. The Chief of Police stated the crash was an accident.