From the standpoint of having seen first hand the impact that a bicycle collision with a motor vehicle produces some thoughts come to mind about reducing the frequency and severity of the crashes. Motor vehicle - Bicycle crashes occur most often when either the cyclist or driver is turning or crossing an intersection or driveway. Accordingly, the cyclist needs to avoid a number of risk factors that can add to the probability of the collision occuring in the first instance. These would include cycling against traffic, running red lights and reducing speed at intersections where oncoming traffic might decide to turn and thereby unexpectingly crossing one's path. With that said, it should be at least noted that in Connecticut, a bicyclist is entitled to the same protections, privileges and rights of way as a motor vehicle operators. The same traffic rules apply to each.
The effect of experience on crash rates also yields valuable insight. For example, night time collission seem to occur disproportionalely when motorists are entering from a side street or moving from any position that would make it difficult to see a bicyclist without a head lamp or at least a reflector pointing in its direction. Crash rates do seem to decline with experienced riders but exposure to increased traffic environments eliminates that advantage at least in a statistical sense. Helmets that are worn snug significantly lessen the chance of serious head trauma and brain injury and have a not insignificant impact on reducing facial trauma as well. Helmet use is thought to reduce the relative risk of these types of injuries by 50 to 70% and for the cosst of a helmet not a bad investment. Similarly, cycling gloves can minimize the natrue of the injuries to the hands that occur when used to break a fall yet this is often an overlooked piece of safety equipment even for experienced riders.
Bicycling is one of the safest forms of aerobic activity if crashes can be taken out of the equation. While that risk cannot be reduced to zero and in many such instances it is decidedly not the fault of the Cyclist to begin with. Nevertheless, reducing the frequency and severity of those accidents that do occur is a essential goal.
