Bicycle Accident Reconstruction Expert Witness

Crash Data Services, LLC

Providing quality traffic accident
investigation and reconstruction

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce reported in
2005 that bicycle sales had reached a
30-year high. In addition, the number of
bicycles sold in 2007 surpassed the number
of motor vehicles that were sold the same
year. These are telling statistics because
they illustrate how many bicyclists are among
U.S. roadways.

Bicycle accident reconstruction requires a
unique analysis due to the unusual dynamic
interaction that takes place when vehicles
and bicyclists collide. At impact, the motion
of the bicyclist is contingent upon a number of
variables, such as the size of the rider or the
speed and configuration of the vehicle.

In addition, there are often significant
environmental factors that can affect a bicycle
accident, such as roadway configuration or
lighting. One of the leading causes of bicycle
related traffic accidents is a failure of the
motorist to see the bicyclist due to inattention.

This is not to say that when a car and bicycle
collide, that the bicyclist is always without
fault. Bicyclists, just like motorists, can fail to
yield the right of way or operate their bicycle
in a reckless fashion. Many states, such as
Illinois, have specific traffic laws relating to
the operation of a bicycle on a roadway.

Regardless of how a vehicle and bicycle
collide, the crash will generally involve injury
to the bicyclist. About 75% of fatal or
incapacitating injuries arise out of serious
head trauma. Yet even when proper
precautions, such as helmet use, are
observed by riders, there is still a substantial
risk of injury in the event of an accident.
Experts estimate that 70% of bicycle
accidents result in the bicyclist requiring
emergency medical attention or
hospitalization.

10 - 14 year old children are involved in more injury bicycle crashes than any other age group. - IL DOT

Bicycle
Traffic Accident Reconstruction Expert

In November of 2006, NHTSA published a
national guideline aimed at increasing
bicycle safety, including specific
references to helmet use and rider
awareness. To read NHTSA publication,
please click here.

In addition, Illinois bicycle traffic accident
fatalities and statistics are maintained by
the Illinois Department of Transportation.
To read about Illlinois' 2008 bicycle crash
statistics, please click here.

The front end height of a vehicle is one of
the most influential variables affecting the
dynamic interaction between a bicyclist and
a motor vehicle. When struck by a low front
end vehicle, the bicyclist can slap the hood
or windshield of the vehicle before being
projected up the roadway. Depending on
the type of collision, equations, both
theoretical and empirical, may exist to derive
impact speed for the striking vehicle.