Why men face higher bicycle fatalities than women

Countries around the world now report that most of their bicycle fatalities overwhelmingly involve men. The same is true in America, where cycling has grown in popularity over the past few years.

While many people cycle on trails, others take their bicycle adventures to the streets. As people also grow more comfortable riding scooters in the cities, many might feel more inclined to ride their bikes too.

Men have more fatal crashes

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that crashes involving cyclists make up  about 2% of fatalities . The good news is that child deaths among cyclists are now declining. Unfortunately, deaths among adults continue to rise.

It is especially bad for men as they make up the vast majority of bicycle deaths. Even in years when crashes declined years ago, the decline was much more substantial for women than men.

Why men face more fatalities

Reports on California riders have offered potential reasons for why male riders face higher casualties.

• Men spend more time on bicycles than women.

• Men are more likely to go for rides on the streets.

• Women are less inclined to take risks.

Researchers believe the reason women ride less often than men is the potential for risk. Not surprisingly, they tend to stick to designated biking areas. Men, on the other hand, might attempt to ride on roads with no bike lanes. They have every right to do so, but the risks of cars colliding with them do increase.

Experts suggest that making riding safer is the answer. It might also bring more women onto the streets to ride.