Rise in Bicycling Fatalities Alarms Orange County

From mountain bikes climbing the hills of Mission Viejo to 10-speeds maneuvering through rush-hour gridlock on Harbor Boulevard, cycling appears more popular than ever in Orange County. But bike enthusiasts and local officials are raising concerns about a recent rise in bike fatalities.

The number of cyclists killed in accidents rose from seven in 1994 to 15 in 1998, according to an analysis of state accident data, with adults far more likely to be victims than children and teenagers.

That 1998 figure for Orange County is higher than the number in that year for Los Angeles County, which has three times as many people but recorded 14 bicycle deaths. Los Angeles experienced a 36% drop in bike fatalities over the same period, mirroring a statewide trend.

“It is dangerous out there,” said Lee Medrano, 40, who rides a mountain bike to his cashier’s job and classes at Santa Ana College.

Orange County’s rising fatality count is perplexing because the total number of bike accidents--mostly those resulting in modest injuries or complaints of pain--declined by 16% over the last five years. Much of the decrease has come because of fewer crashes involving children. Total bike accidents involving children 15 and younger dropped 14% over the period, while accidents involving riders older than 45 increased by more than 10%.

Experts and bike enthusiasts said the numbers point up the growing use of bikes as basic transportation for adults who either can’t afford cars or like the health benefits pedal power brings them.

Although “bike rodeos” and other efforts to teach children about bike safety appear to be working, they argue, older cyclists face increased risks on traffic-clogged streets.