Whether it’s for fitness, fun, or your daily commute, more Australians are turning to two wheels than ever before. However, as cycling surges in popularity, so do the risks, especially on roads still dominated by cars.
Every near miss or collision is a stark reminder of how vulnerable cyclists are on our roads. Let’s discuss the latest trends in cycling accidents across Australia, revealing the key statistics and common causes. We’ll also go through the key supports available if you or someone you love has been injured on the road.
Cyclist Fatalities: A Concerning Trend
Despite improvements in road safety generally, cycling fatalities in Australia have shown concerning fluctuations over the past decade. After reaching a low of 29 deaths in 2016, numbers have gradually increased to 38 fatalities in 2024, representing an 11.8% rise from 2023.
Annual Cyclist Fatalities (2013-2024)
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Sources: BITRE Road Trauma Australia 2022 and The Guardian
State-by-State Analysis (2022)
Cycling fatalities very significantly across Australia's states and territories. However, Victoria recorded the highest number in 2022:
Source: BITRE Road Trauma Australia 2022
Concerning Age Trends
One of the more concerning trends is the rising number of older cyclists involved in fatal accidents, many of whom are simply out enjoying a ride when tragedy strikes. Research from UNSW shows that cyclists aged 60+ have experienced a 3.3% annual increase in fatalities from 1991 to 2022, with their share of total cycling deaths rising dramatically from 8.6% to 45.7%.
Cycling Injuries: Beyond Fatalities
While fatalities of course represent the most severe outcomes, non-fatal injuries also affect thousands of Australian cyclists annually:
Hospitalisation Numbers
Let’s take a closer look at the number of these accidents that result in hospitalisations:
- In 2021-22, 8,600 hospitalisations related to sports-related cycling injuries.
- There was a 15.7% decrease in transport-related cycling hospitalisations in 2022-23 compared to the previous five-year average.
- After car and motorcycle accidents, cycling ranks as the third-highest cause of transport-related hospitalisations..
Source: AIHW Sports Injury Report and AIHW Transport Accidents.
Most Common Cycling Injuries
Out of all the different injuries, fractures dominate cycling-related hospitalisations, accounting for 58% of all cases:
Source: AIHW Sports Injury
In 2021-22, there were 425 hospitalisations for cycling-related concussions, with males (360 cases) significantly outnumbering females (62 cases).
What Causes Cycling Accidents?
To make cycling safer for everyone, it’s important to understand what’s really causing accidents in the first place:
1. Collisions with Motor Vehicles
Dangerously, motor vehicles often play a part in cyclist accidents. In fact, vehicles are involved in around 80% of fatal cyclist crashes, with common scenarios including:
- Drivers turning left across a cyclist's path
- Opening vehicle doors unexpectedly ("dooring")
- Failure to give cyclists adequate space when passing
Cyclists often complain that drivers simply don’t look out for them on the road, not considering that they need to share the road.
2. Single-Bicycle Accidents
On the other hand, single-vehicle accidents (where no motor vehicle is involved) have increased by 3.7% annually overall. Additionally, accidents have jumped 4.4% for cyclists aged 60+. In most cases, these incidents often result from:
- Poor road surfaces (debris, cracks, potholes)
- Cyclist errors or loss of control
- Weather conditions affecting visibility or traction
3. Infrastructure Deficiencies
Research indicates that poor or incomplete cycling infrastructure plays a major role in many crashes, leaving riders exposed to unnecessary risk, including:
- Disconnected cycling networks force cyclists onto busy roads
- Poorly maintained bike lanes
- Lack of dedicated cycling paths, particularly in regional areas
Policy Impacts and Behavioural Changes
Cycling safety in Australia isn’t just about the road, it’s shaped by the rules we follow and the choices we make. Several policies and behavioural factors influence cycling safety in Australia. For example:
Mandatory Helmet Laws
Australia's compulsory helmet laws likely reduce head injury severity, with data showing 30 of 41 killed cyclists were wearing helmets in 2019-2021. However, the debate continues about whether these laws discourage cycling participation, potentially offsetting safety benefits by reducing the "safety in numbers" effect.
Minimum Passing Distance Laws
Campaigns like the Amy Gillett Foundation's "A Metre Matters" have led to legislation requiring drivers to leave minimum distances when passing cyclists (typically 1-1.5 metres). Enforcement varies across jurisdictions, however.
Electric Bike Usage
Additionally, the growing popularity of e-bikes introduces new safety considerations. These innovative bikes allow higher speeds and are often used by less experienced riders. The results? More dangerous conditions for cyclists. However, data on e-bike-specific accidents is limited but councils are keeping an eye on the trend.
COVID-19 Impact
The pandemic saw more Australians dust off their bikes and take to the streets, whether for exercise, fresh air, or a new way to get around. While that surge may have led to a short-term rise in accidents, having more cyclists on the road could actually make riding safer in the long run by boosting driver awareness.
Compensation and Support Options
If you’ve been injured in a cycling accident because of someone else’s negligence, you may have options for support and compensation worth exploring:
Motor Vehicle Accident Compensation
When a cyclist is injured in a motor vehicle accident, they may be entitled to compensation through:
- Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance claims
- Public liability claims
- Common law damages claims
These claims can cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost income, and compensation for pain and suffering in serious cases.
Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) Claims
If a cycling injury leaves you unable to return to work, you may be able to access a Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) benefit through your super. Most Australian super funds include TPD cover by default, but the payout amount can vary widely depending on your policy.
Workers' Compensation
If you were riding your bike for work, or even commuting to or from work in some states, you might be eligible for workers’ compensation.
Improving Cycling Safety
Based on the statistics and trends, several approaches could enhance cycling safety in Australia:
Infrastructure Investment
Continued development of connected, well-maintained cycling networks is essential. In particular, we need designs that physically separate cyclists from motor vehicles in high-traffic areas.
Targeted Safety Campaigns
With older cyclists forming an increasing proportion of fatalities, targeted education and awareness campaigns for this demographic could help address specific risks.
Driver Education
Improving driver awareness of cyclists' vulnerability and legal rights is crucial, especially regarding safe passing distances and checking for cyclists before opening doors or turning.
Seasonal Awareness
Transport-related cycling injuries peak during summer months, suggesting opportunities for seasonal safety campaigns during high-risk periods.
Two Wheels, One Goal: Safer Streets
Australia’s cycling safety story is a mix of progress and ongoing challenges. While hospitalisations are trending down, the recent rise in fatalities, especially among older cyclists, is a sobering reminder that there’s still work to do.
Collisions with motor vehicles remain the biggest threat, making it clear that better infrastructure, stronger driver awareness, and enforceable road rules are key to protecting those on two wheels.
If you’ve been injured in a cycling accident, knowing your rights and the support available can make a huge difference to your recovery, both physically and financially.
Get Legal Support
If you or a loved one has been injured in a cycling accident, seeking professional legal advice can make a significant difference to your recovery and compensation outcomes. Understanding your rights and options is crucial, especially when dealing with insurance companies or pursuing TPD claims through superannuation.
For further information or to discuss your specific situation, you can request a free case review or call Smith's Lawyers at 1800960482.
Key Resources
- Amy Gillett Foundation - Advocacy for cyclist safety
- Bicycle Network - Australia's largest cycling membership organisation
- AIHW Transport Accident Statistics - Updated injury data
- BITRE Road Trauma Australia - Comprehensive road trauma statistics
