CALIFORNIA—A Recent Bicycle Accident Study Reveals High-Risk Counties Across California, Plumas is #1.

  • Plumas County has the highest bicycle accident rate for cyclists in California, reporting 20.77 accidents per 100,000 residents.
  • Mono and Inyo Counties follow in second and third place with 15.40 and 10.57 accidents per 100,000 residents, respectively.
  • All Top 10 California counties maintain bicycle accident rates above the national average of 2.89.

A new study has revealed that cyclists in California face significantly elevated risks in Plumas County.

The research conducted by personal injury experts J & Y Law analyzed 2022 bicycle accident data alongside county population figures. The resulting number of bicycle accidents per 100,000 residents was then calculated to determine where riders are most at risk.

Plumas County tops the list with a rate of 20.77 accidents per 100,000 – over seven times the statewide average of 2.89. With a population of 19,254, Plumas recorded four total accidents, including zero fatalities and four injuries.

Mono County comes in second, with a rate of 15.40 accidents per 100,000 residents. This figure is more than quadruple (433%) the statewide average. Among its 12,987 residents, the county experienced two accidents: non-fatal but left riders injured.

Inyo County ranks third with 10.57 accidents per 100,000 residents, making it roughly 267% higher than the statewide average. Out of a population of 18,916, Inyo reported two accidents, again with no fatalities.

Humboldt County is in fourth place, recording 7.45 accidents per 100,000 residents. This represents an increase of approximately 158% over the statewide average. With a population of 134,167, Humboldt documented a total of 10 accidents – one fatality and nine injuries.

Santa Cruz County rounds out the top five with 6.43 accidents per 100,000 residents, which is about 123% higher than the statewide average. Among its 264,495 residents, the county saw 17 accidents, all resulting in injuries and none in fatalities.

Yuba County is in sixth place with 6.08, Mariposa County in seventh with 5.89, Sutter County in eighth with 5.04, San Benito County in ninth with 4.57, and Santa Barbara County rounds out the top 10 with 4.51 accidents per 100,000 residents.

Looking at the study, a spokesperson from J & Y Law commented:

“The study reveals that cyclists in counties such as Plumas, Mono, and Inyo are at a significantly heightened risk of bicycle accidents.

These elevated accident rates indicate that factors like low population density and limited cycling infrastructure may be contributing to dangerous riding conditions in these areas.

To mitigate these risks, cyclists are advised to always wear helmets and high-visibility gear, use designated bike lanes whenever available, and stay alert to their surroundings. Planning routes along well-traveled roads and promptly reporting hazardous conditions to local authorities can help improve overall safety.”

On the flip side, several California counties Alpine, Modoc, and Sierra did not report any bicycle fatality or injury over the study period, which means these counties offer relatively safer conditions for cyclists.

Table of Extended Results:

Most Dangerous California Counties for Cyclists
County Total Accidents 2022 Population 2022 Accidents Per 100,000 residents Rank
Plumas 4 19254 20.77 1
Mono 2 12987 15.40 2
Inyo 2 18916 10.57 3
Humboldt 10 134167 7.45 4
Santa Cruz 17 264495 6.43 5
Yuba 5 82234 6.08 6
Mariposa 1 16988 5.89 7
Sutter 5 99153 5.04 8
San Benito 3 65642 4.57 9
Santa Barbara 20 443074 4.51 10

The study was conducted by J & Y Law, an experienced personal injury law firm dedicated to protecting clients’ rights and maximizing claim value in cases of serious injury and wrongful conduct.

The study analyzed the total number of bicycle accidents reported by the California Department of Transportation in each county during 2022 and compared these figures to each county’s population from the same year. Accidents per 100,000 residents were then calculated to reveal the counties with the highest risks for cyclists.

Data Sources

Study by → www.jnylaw.com