Philadelphia Bicycle Accident Lawyers: Bicycle Accidents Beginning to Peak

Enabling cycling as a safe means of travel in Philadelphia is an important part of improving city life. Over the past several years, Philadelphia has worked to encourage healthier lifestyles by making it easier to bicycle. Nationally, about 40 percent of all daily trips people make are less than two miles from their homes. In cities, this percentage is even greater. By providing safe and efficient ways for people to bicycle these trips, the city improves health conditions, air quality, and social interactions among its citizens.

As cycling conditions improve around the city, and the number of cyclists increases so too will the number of bicycle accidents that occur. In 2014, the city recorded 551 bicycle accidents. This represents a 14 percent increase over the 473 bicycle accidents reported in 2009. The summer is the peak season for both bicycle usage and accidents. As one would expect, more bicycle accidents are reported during the peak usage months of July and August than any other month of the year. Traditionally, the winter months of January and February record the fewest number of accidents.

The City of Philadelphia published a Pedestrian and Bicycle Crash Report that detailed some interesting statistics regarding bicycle accidents. By examining the statistics of reported bicycle crashes, the city found that most bicycle accidents occurred during the first few days of the week, with Sunday being the safest day to ride a bike in Philadelphia. Additionally, most accidents occurred during the evening rush hour between 5:00 pm and 8:00 pm. The report also found that close to 50 percent of bicycle accidents were with riders between the ages of 16 and 30 years old and that male riders made up 79 percent of all bicycle accidents.

While there are risks to riding a bike in the city, research has shown that the overall benefits to society outweigh the costs. A research study modeling the health impacts of increased cycling found that the overall burden of disease including heart disease, stroke, type II diabetes, breast cancer, colon cancer, cardiopulmonary disease, and lung cancer was reduced in cyclists. While the social benefits of increased cycling are numerous, the costs of a bicycle accident to an individual’s health and well-being can be significant.

Philadelphia Bicycle Accident Lawyers at DiTomaso Law Seek Compensation for All Personal Injury Cases

If you or your loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident in Philadelphia, you are may be entitled to compensation. The experienced Philadelphia bicycle accident lawyers at DiTomaso Law are proven negotiators, mediators, and litigators who will provide you with aggressive representation in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

Our offices are conveniently located in Center City Philadelphia and Cherry Hill, New Jersey, serving our clients in Pennsylvania and South Jersey including Philadelphia County, Bucks County, Montgomery County, Chester County, Delaware County, Camden County, Burlington County, Salem County, Gloucester County, Cumberland County, and Atlantic County. Call us today to schedule your free confidential consultation at 215-426-4493 or submit an online inquiry form.