California has one of the largest populations of cyclists in the nation, thanks to its mild climate and urban commuting culture. Unfortunately, it also ranks among the highest states for bicycle accidents and fatalities. Understanding the data helps highlight the dangers cyclists face and the importance of legal protection when accidents happen.

Here are 15 key bicycle accident statistics in California for 2025.

General Bicycle Crash Data

1. California consistently ranks among the top three states for bicycle fatalities in the U.S. (Source: https://www.iihs.org/topics/fatality-statistics/detail/bicyclists)
2. On average, over 100 bicyclists are killed annually on California roads.
3. More than 10,000 bicycle accident injuries are reported statewide each year.
4. Men account for nearly 85% of bicycle fatalities.

Location & Timing Factors

5. Urban areas, especially Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco, account for the majority of crashes.
6. About 60% of fatal bicycle accidents occur at non-intersection locations.
7. Nighttime cycling accounts for nearly half of all fatal crashes, even though far fewer cyclists ride at night.
8. Roads with speed limits over 40 mph are disproportionately dangerous for cyclists.

Causes of Bicycle Accidents

9. Driver inattention and distraction is a leading factor in vehicle-bicycle crashes.
10. Failure to yield by drivers causes nearly 30% of fatal bicycle accidents.
11. Alcohol impairment (by either the driver or cyclist) is involved in about 1 in 4 bicycle deaths. (Data reference: https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/bicyclists)
12. Dooring accidents (when a parked driver opens their door into a cyclist’s path) remain a common cause of urban crashes.

Injury & Fatality Risks

13. Head injuries are the most common serious injury among cyclists — helmets reduce the risk of fatal head trauma by 60%. (Safety data: https://www.cdc.gov/transportationsafety/bicycle/index.html)
14. Children under 15 account for nearly 10% of cycling-related injuries in California each year.
15. The financial impact is severe, medical costs and lost productivity from bicycle accidents in the U.S. exceed $10 billion annually, with California among the highest contributors.

Final Thoughts

Cycling is a healthy and eco-friendly way to travel, but in California, it comes with serious risks. From distracted drivers to dangerous high-speed roads, bicyclists remain vulnerable every time they ride. At Hillstone Law, we stand up for injured cyclists and their families, working to secure fair compensation after devastating accidents.