The common causes of fatal bicycle accidents in Scranton highlight a tragic reality in the city, where multiple factors continue to put cyclists at serious risk. Understanding these factors could prove pivotal in safeguarding your life and the lives of others. By addressing these dangers, we can help reduce fatal bicycle accidents and serious injuries while promoting a safer cycling culture throughout Scranton.
If you lose a family member in a bicycling crash in Lackawanna County, you may need an experienced bicycle accident lawyer to help you with your claim. Contact the Scranton bicycle accident lawyers at Munley Law to schedule a free consultation.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer at Munley Law
Call Us At 844-686-5397 The Causes of Cycling Accidents in Scranton, PA
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), 1,271 bicycle accidents occurred across the Commonwealth in 2024, resulting in 19 fatalities. While the number of fatalities that year was slightly lower than the 27 in 2023, the number of bicycle accidents increased from 1,100 in 2023. The 20 to 34 age group saw the highest percentage of fatalities (31.6%), and 73.7% of fatal accidents occurred in daylight.
Whenever you mount your bicycle and hit the road, several potential risks could turn your healthy exercise or commute into a deadly situation. Identifying these risks is the first step toward preventing accidents and ensuring bicycle safety.
- Motor Vehicle Collisions: Most often, fatal bicycle accidents result from a car accident in Scranton. According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), bicyclists killed while riding a bike accounted for approximately 2% of total traffic fatalities. Drivers often fail to see cyclists, especially in poor light, at intersections, and sometimes even when passing bike lanes. PennDOT reported that, of the 1,271 bicycle accidents in 2024, 30 were struck by light trucks, vans, or SUVs, 19 by passenger cars, and 1 by a heavy truck.
- Distracted Cycling: Another common cause of bicycle accidents is distracted cycling. The rise of mobile technology over the past decade has led to more cyclists who, like many drivers, may be tempted to check messages or take calls while on the road. Remember, a single moment of inattention could have severe consequences and fatalities.
- Poor Visibility and Nighttime Cycling: Riding your bicycle at night or in low-visibility conditions increases your risk of a fatal accident. The NHTSA reports that nearly half of all accidents with bicycles result in serious injuries, and all bicycle deaths occur between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., especially in dark rural areas. According to PennDOT, 15.8% of fatal bicycle accidents in 2024 occurred after dark in areas lit by streetlights, while 5.3% occurred at dawn. Always ensure you are visible to oncoming traffic by using front and rear lights and wearing reflective gear.
- Reckless Behavior: Cycling recklessly or failing to obey traffic rules can also lead to bicycle accidents and fatalities. Cycling against the flow of traffic, failing to signal, or ignoring stop signs are all examples of such behavior. PennDOT reported that 74% of fatal bicycle accidents in 2024 happened at traffic control devices. 47.2% occurred at traffic signals, while 26.3% occurred at stop signs. Respect for traffic laws is as critical for cyclists as it is for pedestrians, drivers, and motorists.
- Bicycle Equipment Failure: Mechanical or equipment failure can cause serious bicycle accidents. Regular bicycle maintenance and safety checks, paying particular attention to the brakes and tires, can prevent such serious accidents and mishaps. PennDOT reported that 2,210 accidents in 2024 were caused by mechanical or equipment failure, without specifying which types of vehicles were involved. 775 were tire/wheel-related, and 641 were brake-related.
- Lack of Protective Equipment: Finally, bike riders not wearing the proper protective gear increase their risk of fatality in an accident. A report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) shows that helmet use can reduce a rider’s risk of serious head injury by 50%.
What Makes Cycling So Dangerous in Scranton, PA?
The most significant danger to your safety as a cyclist comes from vehicles, such as cars and trucks, on the road with you. NHTSA’s data reveals that a majority of cyclists’ deaths are a result of collisions with motor vehicles. As we saw above, this is also borne out by PennDOT data. The problem is so prevalent in cities like Scranton that it accounts for approximately 30% of all cycling-related deaths.
Cycling in traffic requires heightened awareness of your surroundings. You might be following all the various bicycle safety guidelines, wearing your helmet, using bike lights, paying attention, and following traffic laws to a tee, yet still be at risk. Why is this the case?
One key factor in cyclist crashes is driver negligence or inattention. Motorists often overlook cyclists or misjudge their speed and distance, leading to crashes. Distractions, such as using a cell phone while driving, further exacerbate the issue of traffic crashes and cyclist deaths.
The crash threat multiplies at intersections. These intersections are hotspots for accidents, as drivers turning right or left may fail to notice a cyclist. Even parked cars pose a threat, with “dooring” accidents – where a driver or passenger opens a car door into a cyclist’s path, including protected bike lanes – common in cities.
Additionally, the severity of injuries resulting from a car accident in Scranton involving bicycles is often significantly higher due to the significant size and weight difference between the vehicle and the cyclist. As a cyclist, you have little protection against a vehicle weighing over a ton.
“For more than three generations, our family has been fighting for justice. It’s more than a career choice—it’s written into our DNA.”
Robert W. Munley, III
How can Scranton Cyclists Protect Themselves?
Understanding the leading causes of bicycle deaths is essential for bicyclists, as is knowing how to mitigate these risks.
Here are some practical strategies to enhance your road safety.
- Obey the Law: Follow all traffic laws applicable to riders, from signaling your intentions to wearing a helmet. Remember, these laws are in place for your protection. Lobby for stronger regulations and enforcement of bike infrastructure in city streets and areas of cities where bike safety laws seem inadequate.
- Protective Gear: Always wear a helmet when riding a bike. Additionally, make yourself visible with bright clothing and reflective gear, especially in poor light.
- Responsible Cycling Behavior: Avoid risky behavior such as cycling against traffic, not signaling your intentions, or using your phone while on the move. Be predictable to other cyclists, pedestrians, and road users, making it easy for them to anticipate your actions. If there is a bike lane, use the lane instead of the sidewalk or city street.
- Visibility: Equip your bicycle with front and rear lights and use them even during daylight hours to increase visibility. At night, wear reflective clothing and use additional lights if possible.
Why Choose Munley Law for Your Scranton Bicycle Accident Lawyer?
Munley Law’s attorneys have fought for justice on behalf of Pennsylvanians who were injured or killed as a result of the negligence of others. We were founded as a family-run law firm in 1959, and our founding principles continue to guide us today.
Our Scranton bicycle accident lawyers have more than 250 years of experience. They are known for their expertise and regularly secure multi-million-dollar client victories. They also routinely receive honors, accolades, and awards from the American Association for Justice, Super Lawyers, Best Lawyers, the National Trial Lawyers, and Martindale-Hubbell. Best Lawyers named Marion Munley as Lawyer of the Year for Personal Injury Litigation, the National Trial Lawyers named all our partners among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Pennsylvania, and Martindale-Hubbell gave all our partners AV Preeminent ratings.
Our lawyers have also been honored by Irish Legal 100, Lawdragon, and The Legal Intelligencer. Marion Munley, Daniel Munley, J. Christopher Munley, and John Mulcahey are board-certified in Civil Trial Law and Civil Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy.
When you choose Munley Law’s bicycle accident lawyers in Scranton, PA, you choose a firm that puts you first.
No Fee Unless We Win
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Bicycle Accident Attorneys in Scranton
Navigating the nation’s roads on your bicycle should be a fun experience, not a risky one. You can significantly mitigate these risks by adhering to safety guidelines, using protective gear, and maintaining your bicycle appropriately. Always remember, your safety and that of others hinge largely on understanding these risks and adopting proactive measures.
Our Scranton bicycle accident lawyer is here to help if you or a loved one were involved in a bicycle accident. Contact a Scranton personal injury lawyer at Munley Law today to schedule a free consultation. There is no fee until we win your case.
Munley Law
227 Penn Ave.
Scranton, PA 18503
(570) 865-4699
Get Directions
Robert W. Munley, III
Robert W. Munley, III is a seasoned personal injury attorney and award-winning courtroom advocate. While he regularly handles a range of personal injury cases, his focus is on truck accidents and workers’ compensation cases. Bob has served thousands of accident victims and workers, winning them millions with his bold advocacy.
Reviewed by Bernadine Munley, Esq., Personal Injury Attorney at Munley Law, on March 3, 2026.
