Bicycle Collisions in Washington State: A Six-Year Perspective,1988–1993

Abstract

A categorical data analysis of collisions between bicycles and motor vehicles was performed in Washington State using 8,540 collision records from 1988 through 1993. The collisions were categorized by action and location of bicyclists and motorists, age groups, road ownership, and county, using a modified version of the Cross/Fisher methodology. Various statistics on demographics, contributing circumstances, and environmental conditions were developed. The results of the analysis indicate that the type and severity of accidents vary by classification of roadway and age group and among similar areas within the state. One-half of the bicycle collisions involved those aged 15 or less. Male bicyclists were involved in 80 percent of the collisions, which was likely due to greater exposure instead of a behavioral difference by gender. Intersections accounted for one-half of the collision locations. The merit of developing a statewide bicycle-collision report that stratifies information at the local level is presented, along with practical applications of the data. An inherent bias against safety improvements for bicycles that is due to collision-reporting thresholds is also discussed.