Bicycle-Car Accidents in Sacramento

The Sacramento Bee recently ran a Data Tracker article written by Phillip Reese about the worst intersections in Sacramento for bicycle-car accidents based on 2001-2016 data.  As someone who has recently decided to add bicycling to my routine, I was very interested to learn more about the potential dangerous hot spots.

According to the article over the past 15 years about 3,200 bicyclists were injured following collisions with cars on Sacramento streets and 38 cyclists were killed.  Yikes!  Of the top ten worst intersections, only one – the intersection at H and 29^th Streets – is within my likely bicycling range.  However, the data also shows that three of the four neighborhoods I am most likely to pedal to and through – Midtown, East Sacramento and Downtown – have the most bike accidents resulting in injury.

The interactive map contained in the article is one you may want to check out if you bicycle on a regular or even occasional basis.  Clicking on the map you can identify the intersections to be wary of.

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The data also revealed the days and times when most bike accidents with injuries occurred.  It comes as no surprise that most accidents occur during the morning and early evening commute – i.e. Monday thru Friday (between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 a.m./5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.).

After attending the Urban Cycling 101 class held by the City of Sacramento I have found myself paying extra attention to bicyclists as I drive around Sacramento running errands, etc.   I also find myself observing the bicyclists in the vicinity of my car to see if they are adhering to “the rules”.  It is a mixed bag.

See related post: Sacramento Urban Cycling 101 Classes

I have given some thought, as a soon-to-be bicyclist, to the potential dangers bicyclists face and I am making a concerted effort to be an even more careful driver when sharing the road.   I also plan to take the advice of the Urban Cycling 101 class instructor who suggested that we check out potential alternate routes that may be a little less direct, but in turn have lighter traffic and less chance of an unpleasant outcome.

Comments on bicycle-car accidents and bicycling in Sacramento?

What has been your experience bicycling in Sacramento?

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