Protecting Bicyclists on America’s Roads

National Bike Month 2026: Why Safer Streets Matter More Than Ever

May is National Bike Month, a time to celebrate bicycling as transportation, recreation, fitness, and an important part of healthier, more connected communities. 

In 2026, Bike to Work Week will take place May 11–17, with Bike to Work Day celebrated on Friday, May 15, 2026.

Communities across the country are also recognizing National Bike & Roll to School Day. Thanks to all who joined the celebration on May 6, 2026. Events have already been registered in 44 states and Washington, D.C., with participation continuing throughout May as National Bike Month celebrations continue nationwide. 

As more Americans choose bicycling for commuting, recreation, exercise, and short-distance travel, improving cyclist safety has become increasingly important.

Bicyclist Fatalities Continue to Rise

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 1,166 bicyclists were killed in crashes involving motor vehicles in the United States in 2023. 

Bicyclists, pedestrians, and other nonmotorists now account for a growing share of total traffic fatalities nationwide. In 2023, nonmotorists represented 21.6% of all U.S. traffic fatalities, up significantly from 17.8% in 2014. 

Over the ten-year period between 2014 and 2023:

  • Nonmotorist fatalities increased by 50.9%
  • Total traffic fatalities increased by 24.9% 

These statistics highlight the increasing dangers bicyclists face on roadways across the country.

Speed Is One of the Biggest Threats to Cyclists

Vehicle speed remains one of the most critical factors in determining the severity of crashes involving bicyclists.

Higher vehicle speeds:

  • Reduce driver reaction time
  • Increase stopping distances
  • Increase crash force and injury severity
  • Make it more difficult for drivers to safely share the road with bicyclists

Even small increases in speed can significantly increase the likelihood of severe injury or death in a crash.

Reducing speeds in areas where bicyclists are commonly present — including school zones, parks, residential neighborhoods, and urban corridors — can dramatically improve cyclist safety.

Children and Young Cyclists Need Additional Protection

Children riding bicycles near schools, parks, and neighborhoods are especially vulnerable due to their size, visibility, and limited ability to judge vehicle speeds and traffic conditions.

Organizations such as Vision Zero for Youth continue to advocate for traffic safety measures designed to better protect children and bicyclists, including:

  • Reduced speed limits
  • School zone safety programs
  • Traffic calming measures
  • Improved bicycle infrastructure
  • Increased driver education and awareness

Communities nationwide are recognizing that creating safer environments for bicyclists requires a combination of engineering, education, enforcement, and public engagement.

Safety Camera Programs Are Helping Reduce Speeding

Automated speed enforcement programs have proven effective at reducing dangerous speeding behaviors that put bicyclists and other vulnerable road users at risk.

When a city* introduced speed safety cameras in school zones it found a decrease in crashes and injuries. Here are the results after two years: 

  • Overall crashes decreased by nearly 8%
  • Injury crashes declined by 15%
  • Total injuries at camera locations fell by more than 14%
  • Average daily speeding violations declined by approximately 60% 

The program also showed long-term improvements in driver behavior, with relatively low repeat violation rates.

Programs focused on slowing vehicles in high-risk areas can help create safer streets for bicyclists, particularly in locations with heavy pedestrian and bicycle activity.

Building Safer Streets for Cyclists

National Bike Month is an opportunity not only to celebrate bicycling, but also to recognize the importance of protecting bicyclists on our roads.

Simple actions can help save lives:

  • Slow down and obey posted speed limits
  • Watch carefully for bicyclists before turning or changing lanes
  • Give bicyclists adequate passing distance
  • Avoid distracted driving
  • Use bicycle lights and reflective equipment at night
  • Support local bicycle and traffic safety initiatives such as speed photo enforcement

As bicycling continues to grow in popularity across the country, creating safer streets for cyclists must remain a shared priority for communities, drivers, planners, and policymakers alike.

Contact Us

Interested in using speed automated enforcement in your community to protect bicyclists? Contact Us: 888-666-4218, Ext. 6 for East Coast and Ext. 7 for West Coast. We can also be reached at [email protected]

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), 2008–2023 Final File and 2023 Annual Report File (ARF), Version 9.3. Retrieved February 20, 2026.

*NYC DOT research from the program’s first two years.