Los Angeles Bicycle Fatalities: Insights from BikeLA’s 2023 Report

Addressing these additional factors requires a comprehensive approach. This includes better education for cyclists and drivers and the cooperation of the local government to implement and enforce safety measures.

Deaths of cyclists on Los Angeles County roads for years 2017-2022 – via BikeLA report

Where Bicyclist Fatalities Often Occur In Los Angeles County

Most of the 26 cases analyzed in the report occurred in the city of Los Angeles. BikeLA reported that Long Beach and Lancaster had three and two cases, respectively, while other cities had one fatality each.

However, more detailed data from the SWITRS revealed that LA City had 20 cyclist deaths in 2022. Lancaster, South Gate, and Long Beach recorded two cases each. Ten other areas, including unincorporated communities, had one fatality each.

In 2023, the city of LA saw a decrease in bicyclist deaths, with 15 reported cases. However, there was a slight increase in other areas. Some cities, like Downey and Santa Clarita, went from zero in 2022 to two fatalities in the following year.

While cyclist deaths are usually concentrated in the City of Angels, this higher number does not necessarily equate to higher risks. The disproportionate number of fatalities is partly due to the city’s enormous population. When adjusted for the number of deaths per 100,000 residents, the risk level in the city may be comparable to or lower than those in smaller cities.

BikeLA also noted that many cases occurred near each other and in major corridors included in the regional High Injury Network (HIN). Around 65% of fatal and serious traffic injuries occurred within this street network subset, highlighting the risk for all road users.

The High Number Of Bicycle Fatalities In Low-Income Communities

According to Kevin Shin, deputy director of BikeLA, the communities that need the most help are located in lower-income, POC-dense areas. The biking advocacy group reported that 61% of cyclist fatalities in 2022 occurred in low-income communities and areas where 65% of the population were people of color.

Historically, disinvestment and systemic racism have resulted in a lack of resources for these communities, leading to the adverse outcomes we see today. According to Kaufman, the goal is to “reshape the policies that distribute resources so that these communities can enjoy their streets safely.” Increasing bicycle infrastructure must include and lift the voices of historically underrepresented communities through participatory budgeting, targeted infrastructure funding, and community education.

Notable Areas Of Concern In Los Angeles

LA’s busy streets are filled with cars and bicycles weaving through heavy traffic. Unfortunately, traffic congestion increases the risk of accidents, especially in the most dangerous intersections in Los Angeles County.

Here are some of the most notorious roads in Los Angeles County for cyclist fatalities, according to BikeLA’s report:

East Anaheim Street, Long Beach

East Anaheim Street, a major road in Downtown Long Beach, notably lacks bike lanes, crosswalks, and other traffic calming measures. Consequently, two fatalities occurred within a one-mile stretch between Walnut and Obispo avenues. As of 2023, five cyclist deaths have been recorded in Long Beach.

Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. And Figueroa Street, Los Angeles

The intersection of these two major arterial roads in Los Angeles is a hotspot for bicycle accidents. Cyclists pass through this area to access several key parts of the city, contending with motorists heading for the freeway. Increased traffic, the high-speed limit of 35 mph, and a lack of proper infrastructure make this intersection particularly challenging for cyclists, leading to a higher risk of fatal bike accidents.

Figueroa Street In Downtown LA

Figueroa Street is a heavily congested corridor that many motorists and cyclists use to access downtown LA. Despite some bike lane improvements, including a buffer-separated lane, the risk of accidents remains high due to the auto-centric design and high-speed traffic. Since 2021, three fatalities have been recorded on the stretch between 3rd and 7th Streets.

Avenue H And Avenue J In Lancaster

Both suburban streets feature buffer-separated bike lanes, yet fatal bike accidents still occur. The main issues are the high-speed limits — 60 mph on Avenue H and 40 mph on Avenue J — along with heavy turning traffic and gaps in the bike lane infrastructure.

BikeLA Suggestions To Improve Bike Safety

A systemic shift is needed to make the region safer for cyclists and pedestrians. Kaufman advocates for increased bicycle use among Angelenos as an alternative to cars, especially given LA’s ideal weather for cycling.

In light of these alarming findings, BikeLA has proposed several infrastructure improvements:

• Impose lower speed limits based on each road’s bicycle usage rather than standard formulas.
• Modernize bicycle lane design standards and address regional bike lane network gaps.
• Ensure all intersections have high-quality and reliable LED bulbs.
• Provide cyclists with headlights.
• Implement road diets and convert underutilized vehicle lanes into protected bike lanes.

The organization also recommends some policy changes to support these improvements, including:

• Participatory Budgeting — Allow neighborhood residents to vote on the fund allocations. This way, cyclists can help shape better infrastructure rather than passively adjust to existing conditions.
• Short-Term Roadway Enhancements — Use cost-effective solutions, such as restriping and plastic delineators, before undertaking more comprehensive projects.
• Targeting Infrastructure Funding Programs — Secure grant funding for infrastructure projects in low-income communities to address disparities.
• Education And Rider Empowerment — Provide cyclists with more tools and strategies to navigate Los Angeles County safely. Educate motorists about cyclists’ rights to improve mutual understanding and respect on the road.

These suggestions aim to create safer biking communities for residents of all ages — from kids going to school to older people getting their daily exercise. Nevertheless, any initiative to make Los Angeles a safer place to bike must involve the cooperation of residents.

The Current State Of Biking Infrastructure In Los Angeles County

Some of these suggestions, like road diets, have been implemented successfully. The Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) previously converted Rowena Avenue, yielding positive results, including:

A recent report by the UCLA Institute of Transportation Studies supports this strategy. It showed a 44% reduction in collisions in road-dieted corridors compared to similar corridors. Meanwhile, it created a “negligible” 11-second per mile delay for drivers.

What’s stopping the whole county from implementing this strategy on other major arterial roads?

One major obstacle is the divide between cyclists and motorists. Improving bike facilities affects the existing car infrastructure. In an auto-centric county like LA, many drivers oppose reducing their lanes. To them, even a “negligible” delay is a significant inconvenience.

As such, widespread education and awareness programs are needed to fully embrace road diets and other cycling infrastructure improvements. These programs are a key component of the Los Angeles Bicycle Master Plan (BMP), which is currently being updated. The Public Works division will incorporate new policies, propose new bikeways, update existing facilities, and improve cyclists’ overall mobility and safety. These goals align with BikeLA’s vision, promising a safer and more inclusive future for all road users.

The BMP is currently in the Public Participation stage, allowing communities to voice their opinions and concerns. The final update is set to be completed by Winter 2025, after which the planned improvements will begin.

Common Types Of Fatal Bicycle Accidents In Los Angeles

BikeLA’s report did not detail the types of accidents that occurred. Additional data from UC Berkeley’s SWITRS Query Tool revealed the most common bicycle accidents that lead to deaths in LA:

Broadside Collisions

From 2022 to 2023, broadside accidents contributed the highest number of fatalities, accounting for 34.85%, or 23 deaths. These collisions typically occur at intersections when a crossing bicycle is hit from the side by a vehicle, often due to one party running a red light.

Unfortunately, these kinds of accidents are dangerous for cyclists because of the lack of protection. They are highly likely to be thrown off violently at a far distance, increasing their chances of sustaining broken bones, concussions, scrapes, and back injuries. Victims may have to hire T-bone accident lawyers to claim compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.

Rear-End Accidents

Meanwhile, rear-end accidents accounted for 15 fatalities, or 22.73%, of bicycle deaths from 2022 to 2023. These collisions usually occur when a driver follows too closely or fails to notice a cyclist in time. The force from the vehicle propels the cyclist forward, often causing them to fall off their bikes and sustain head injuries, facial bone fractures, and more.

Sideswipes

Bikes are pretty challenging to see because of their small size. Moreover, they often travel on the right side of a car, frequently in the driver’s blind spot. This positioning makes them susceptible to being hit on the side by a moving car traveling in the same direction. Sideswipe accidents often occur due to the driver’s negligence, such as failing to check their blind spots before changing lanes, entering the bike lane while distracted, or driving under the influence.

In two-vehicle car accidents, sideswipes can result in minor consequences, like scratches on the vehicle, with no major or lasting injuries to the passengers. However, if a bicycle is involved, the rider can quickly lose balance and fall on the pavement, leading to minor or catastrophic injuries.

Secondary collisions resulting from the initial incident can even lead to fatalities. For example, a cyclist who falls on the road could be run over by a distracted driver. LA drivers are notorious for texting while driving, leading to a high number of road fatalities. Because of these dangers, sideswipe incidents account for eight, or 12.12%, of bicycle deaths.

Head-On Accidents

Head-on collisions occur when a motor vehicle or another bicycle hits a cyclist in the front. These commonly happen when a cyclist goes the wrong way and ignores the road. They can also occur if a vehicle in the opposite lane drifts into the cyclist’s lane due to the driver falling asleep at the wheel or being distracted.

These collisions are particularly severe due to both parties’ combined speed. From 2022 to 2023, head-on accidents accounted for two fatalities, or 3.03%.

Understanding Bicycle Laws In Los Angeles County

Cyclists must follow the same traffic laws as motor vehicle drivers. Los Angeles also follows the bicycle laws enforced throughout California, including:

Helmet Use

Cyclists are generally not required to wear helmets. However, according to California Vehicle Code 21212, those under 18 must wear a helmet that meets the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) or American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards.

Even if you are allowed to ride without a helmet, it is highly recommended that you wear one for safety. Helmets can significantly reduce the risk of brain injuries and other serious head traumas in the event of an accident.

Bike Lanes

Cyclists must use the bike lane and travel in the same direction as traffic (VEH 21208). If a bike lane is unavailable, riders must travel as close to the curb on the right as possible (VEH 21650). These laws help protect them from passing motor vehicles, which usually travel faster.

Taking The Lane

There are some instances when you can “take the lane” or leave the bike lane to ride in the main traffic lanes (VEH 21202):

Riding On The Sidewalk

California leaves it to local governments to enforce restrictions on sidewalk riding. In Los Angeles, cyclists can ride on sidewalks provided they don’t have a “willful and wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.”

In other words, you must still ride carefully. Riding on the sidewalk requires a higher level of care, mainly because of the presence of pedestrians. You must ride at a cautious speed, carefully avoiding pedestrians, obstacles, and private property.

Intersections

Cyclists can use the crosswalk to cross the street or an intersection. However, they must take care not to harm pedestrians.

When riding on the road, cyclists must always follow the right-of-way laws and yield to pedestrians at marked and unmarked crosswalks (VEH 21950). Additionally, cyclists are required to stop at red lights just like other vehicles.

Bicycle Parking

According to the Los Angeles Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA), cyclists must park their bikes beside bicycle racks and in designated parking areas. If there is a furniture zone at least six feet away from the property line and three feet or wider, they can park their bikes upright in this area. The furniture zone, typically where trees and street furniture are located, provides a convenient and safe space for parking bicycles without obstructing pedestrian pathways.

Conversely, riders are not allowed to park their bicycles on a bike path (VEH 21211) and private property unless permitted by the owner. According to VEH 21210, they must also not park in a manner that blocks:

• Foot traffic.
• ADA access, driveways, entryways, crosswalks, and construction zones.
• Access to news racks, parking meters, bus shelters, parking pay stations, benches, etc.

E-Bikes

Electric bicycles have three classifications:

• Class 1 — 20 mph e-bikes with a pedal assist feature.
• Class 2 — 20 mph e-bikes with pedal and throttle assist features.
• Class 3 — Top assisted speeds of 28 mph.

Class 1 and 2 e-bikes can generally use bike lanes and other paths where bicycles are allowed. Meanwhile, Class 3 models can only go on protected bike lanes and separated bikeways (VEH 21207.5).

Biking

VEH 21205 prohibits carrying articles or objects that force you to remove at least one hand from the handlebars. Removing one hand can make you lose control of your bike and impair your ability to maneuver quickly to avoid a collision. You should also avoid holding onto a moving vehicle or attaching your bike to “hitch a ride” (VEH 21203).

Restrictions

Bicycles, including e-bikes, are not allowed to go on the following corridors unless specifically permitted:

• Freeways and highways (VEH 21960)
• Toll bridges (VEH 23330)

Requirements For Bicycle Equipment In Los Angeles

California VEH 21201 and VEH 21204 outline the following rules for proper bicycle equipment:

• Brakes — Bicycles must have brakes that can execute a one-braked-wheel skid on dry, level, clean pavement.
• Handlebars — The handlebars must not be higher than the rider’s shoulders.
• Size — The bicycle must be appropriately sized for the rider. The cyclist should still be able to support the bike with one foot on the ground or start and stop safely.
• Seats — The bike must have a permanent, regular seat. Riders weighing less than 40 pounds must use a seat that secures them in place and protects them from moving parts.

The bicycle must also be equipped with lights and reflectors that adhere to the following requirements:

• Visible white light from a distance of 300 feet from the front.
• Red reflector or red solid/flashing light (with a built-in reflector) visible from a distance of 500 feet from the rear.
• White or yellow reflectors on each pedal or the cyclist’s shoes or ankles, visible from a distance of 200 feet.
• Reflectorized tires or a white/yellow reflector on the front wheels and a red reflector on the rear.

Tips For Operating A Bike Safely In Los Angeles County, CA

Each city in the county has varying infrastructure that shapes its biking culture. Nonetheless, these general tips should apply wherever you ride your bike in LA:

• Before riding, inspect the brakes, tires, and lights to make sure they’re working. Maintain your bike in good condition to avoid potentially dangerous breakdowns on the road.
• Use the bike lanes whenever possible. While many might assume it’s safer on the sidewalk, cyclists say otherwise. Sidewalks have many hazards, like driveways, inattentive pedestrians, trees, trash cans, open doors, and other objects.
• Keep your attention focused on the path ahead at all times. Avoid accident-causing distractions like smartphone use. Although no specific law prohibits this practice, using your phone while biking will make you less alert to sudden events.
• Keep your eyes and ears open. Avoid wearing anything that can obstruct your vision and hearing. The law prohibits explicitly wearing earplugs or headsets that cover both ears, although hearing aids are allowed.
• Use hand signals to communicate with drivers and pedestrians, especially when turning or switching lanes. Be predictable, as other motorists might not be used to sharing the road with slow-moving vehicles.
• Don’t carry other passengers. One-seat bikes are for one person only.
• Watch out for pedestrians. Use your bell or horn to get their attention.
• Plan your routes carefully. Use less congested roads and find streets with bike lanes.
• Avoid drinking and cycling. DUI laws apply to cyclists as well. Although there’s no established blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for riders, you can get cited for cycling under the influence. Officers have to witness you doing something that demonstrates impaired driving.

Resources For Cyclists In Los Angeles

What To Do After A Bicycle Accident

Cyclists have rights like anyone else on the road. If you are injured in a bicycle accident, here are some tips on how you can protect your rights and ensure your safety:

1. Move to a safe spot away from traffic and assess your condition. If you have serious injuries, call 911 for immediate medical treatment.
2. Call the local law enforcement to get the police on the scene. They can mediate, investigate, and create an accident report.
3. Exchange information with the other parties involved. If there are any witnesses, ask for their contact details as well.
4. Document the accident scene. Take photos and videos of your injuries, property damage, the other vehicles involved, road hazards, and other important details.
5. Don’t admit fault, even if you believe you caused the incident. Many accidents have several layers of liability, and immediately taking the blame will hurt your chances of obtaining compensation.
6. Inform your insurance company about the accident. Provide all relevant information, but don’t overshare.
7. Don’t repair your bicycle. You can use it as evidence showing the extent of damage and severity of the collision.
8. Contact a personal injury lawyer. They can review your case and provide legal options. If you decide to file a claim, they will help you process it and pursue the maximum compensation you’re entitled to.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Safe To Ride A Bike In LA?

Cycling is primarily safe in Los Angeles, with thousands of residents using their bikes to go to work, school, or run errands. However, there’s no denying the increased risk of bicycle accidents in the city due to the lack of proper infrastructure.

Los Angeles has the highest number of cyclist fatalities among other counties in California. In 2022, the county recorded 18% of the statewide total of 199. While the raw total dropped to 32 in 2023, it represented nearly 24% of all cases in the Golden State.

While taking proper precautions can help keep you safe from accidents, you still risk getting injured or killed due to another person’s negligence. The county is implementing initiatives to eliminate traffic deaths, but fatalities are still occurring on LA’s streets.

Is LA A Bike-Friendly City?

Los Angeles has the potential to become a great bicycle-friendly city, but it still has a long way to go. In 2018, it was labeled the “Worst Bike City” in the United States due to its auto-centric culture and lack of infrastructure. While improvements have been made, cycling in LA still poses significant challenges.

In 2024, the city scored a networking rating of 25 in People For Bikes, below the average of 28. The scoring system is based on the ease and comfort of cycling in the community, with 100 as the best score.

One of the main reasons cyclists are unhappy with LA is the disconnected bike infrastructure network. The city has hundreds of miles of bike lanes, consisting of fragmented and short stretches. While these lanes can accommodate short rides, they fall short for those who want to use their bicycles as their primary means of transportation.

For longer rides, cyclists must contend with high-speed traffic, reckless motorists, and inadequate bike lanes. This environment makes it difficult for cyclists to navigate the city safely and comfortably, highlighting the need for a more cohesive and comprehensive bike infrastructure network in Los Angeles.

What Is Three Feet For Safety In California?

The Three Feet for Safety Act aims to make cycling in California safer by requiring motorists to maintain at least three feet of distance when passing or overtaking a cyclist. According to California Vehicle Code Section 21760, if maintaining this distance is impossible due to road or traffic conditions, motorists must slow down, then pass or overtake while keeping a safe distance and ensuring the cyclist’s safety.

Motorists must consider several factors, including their vehicle’s size, speed, rain and other weather conditions, traffic conditions, visibility, road surface type, and highway width. Violating this law incurs a $35 fine, which increases to $220 if it results in a collision that injures the cyclist.

How Many Cyclists Are Killed Each Year In California?

According to SWITRS data from 2014 to 2023, around 160 cyclists are killed in traffic accidents each year in California. This figure represents around 4% of the average traffic fatalities for the last ten years. The number has risen and fallen throughout the years, peaking at 199 cases in 2022. The year 2023 saw a sharp decline, settling at 134 fatalities.

How Are Most Cyclists Killed?

Many bicyclists are killed due to collisions with SUVs, pickups, vans, and other light trucks. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), these incidents accounted for 46% of bicyclist fatalities in 2021.

The reason was explored in a study led by Sam Monfort, a statistician at the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It claimed that SUVs tend to knock cyclists down to the ground rather than vault them onto the hood. The collision results in riders sustaining a higher rate of ground-impact injuries. Some examples are traumatic brain injuries, organ damage, internal bleeding, and spinal cord injuries that can cause partial or complete paralysis. These injuries are often more severe and fatal compared to those sustained in collisions with cars.

Where Do Most Fatal Bicycle Accidents Occur?

NHTSA revealed that around 62% of cyclist fatalities in 2021 occurred in non-intersection areas. Meanwhile, around 85% occurred in urban settings instead of rural locations. The high traffic density, complex road networks, and diverse road users in urban areas may have contributed to the high number of deadly bike accidents.

However, the data doesn’t fully capture the risk levels, as cities generally have larger populations. While the number of fatalities is higher in urban areas, the rate of accidents per capita might differ in rural areas.

Can I File A Wrongful Death Claim For My Family Killed In A Bike Accident?

If a loved one is killed in a bicycle accident, you may be eligible to recover damages in a wrongful death claim, depending on your relationship with the victim. In California, the following parties have the right to file a claim:

It’s best to see a personal injury lawyer specializing in wrongful death claims to know your rights and learn more about the process.

Who Is At Fault In Most Bicycle Accidents?

The liable party in bicycle accidents depends on who was negligent. It could be an Uber driver, a pedestrian, a motorist, or another cyclist.

However, bicyclists often get blamed due to the lack of education about cyclists’ rights. For example, a driver might pass a bicycle in the bike lane and turn right recklessly, assuming they have the right-of-way. However, if the cyclist is going straight, they have the right-of-way, and the driver must yield.

Unfortunately, motorists might incorrectly assume that the cyclist was at fault for failing to yield. If the police get involved, they might even reach the same conclusion, often stemming from biases against cyclists.

Remember that liability is a complex subject requiring thorough investigation by those knowledgeable about the laws. If you are injured in an accident, you need a personal injury lawyer who advocates for bicyclist rights. They have a better grasp of the updated laws, especially regarding cyclists. They can help ensure you are fairly represented against the other parties.

Do Bikes Cause More Accidents Than Cars?

Statistically, cars still cause more accidents on the roads than bicycles. However, this can partly be due to fewer cyclists on the road. The culprit isn’t easily determined in bike vs. car collisions. Cyclists can cause accidents by being unaware of road rules, as they’re not required to undergo driving classes to be legally allowed on the road. They could make errors and display unpredictable behaviors on the road.

Meanwhile, many motorists may still be unfamiliar with cyclists’ rights. For example, they might not know that cyclists can legally ride in the middle of the lane under certain circumstances. This lack of awareness can catch drivers off guard or even irritate them, potentially leading to road rage-related accidents.

What Damages Can I Collect For A Bicycle Accident?

If you are injured in a bicycle accident, you may be eligible to recover the following damages in a personal injury claim:

The damages you’re entitled to will depend on the circumstances of the bicycle accident, including the extent of your injuries and their effects on your life. To better understand what you can collect, consult a bicycle accident lawyer. They can also help you file a personal injury claim to get compensation from the at-fault party.

I’m An Undocumented Immigrant. Can I Sue After A Bicycle Accident In LA?

Everyone in California has the same right to file a personal injury claim as anyone else, including undocumented immigrants. An individual’s residence status has nothing to do with their right to pursue compensation. If you are injured in a bicycle accident or you’re a legal heir of a victim killed in a bike accident in LA, contact our personal injury law firm. Our accident lawyers will help you understand your rights and legal options, regardless of your immigration status.

Let Our Bicycle Accident Lawyers Fight for Your Rights

BikeLA’s report highlighted the critical issues leading to high rates of fatalities in Los Angeles. The lack of proper infrastructure, education, and attention to disadvantaged groups and communities makes cycling in LA challenging and dangerous.

There’s still much to be done to make LA safer for cyclists, from adding bike lanes to implementing awareness programs. Yet, as it stands, cyclists are at constant risk while running errands, commuting to work, or simply going for a ride. If a loved one is killed in a bicycle accident in LA, reach out to our personal injury attorneys for help. We can help you understand your options, pursue compensation for all your losses, and hold the responsible party accountable for your loved one’s death.

Partner with us to fight for the justice you and your family deserve. Our bicycle accident attorneys have won over $750 Million for victims, and we’re prepared to do the same for you. We offer contingency-based services, allowing you to pursue your rights at no upfront fees.

Contact our experienced bicycle accident lawyers today at (888) 488-1391. Arash Law, led by Arash Khorsandi, Esq., is committed to defending you and your loved ones’ rights.