Los Angeles Claims to Be Bike-Friendly – the Numbers Say Otherwise
November 14, 2025- Categories: Personal Injury
Is Los Angeles truly a bike-friendly city, or do the numbers reveal that cyclists, especially those injured in collisions caused by someone else’s negligence, face far greater risks than the city claims?
Los Angeles claims to be bike-friendly, but the numbers say otherwise. Recent data expose a sharp increase in cyclist injuries and fatalities, leaving riders hurt and unsure about their legal rights and options.
Insights from experienced personal injury lawyers at Neale & Fhima connect the dots between city infrastructure, crash trends, and California law. A free case evaluation can help Los Angeles cyclists understand the following challenges, their rights, and the legal steps they can take after an injury on city streets.
Key Takeaways About Los Angeles Cycling Accidents
- California Vehicle Code Section 21200 protects cyclists’ rights. This statute grants cyclists the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle drivers, making it a critical legal foundation for holding negligent drivers accountable after an accident.
- Cyclist injuries often come with high medical costs. Injuries like fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal damage can result in upfront medical bills exceeding $50,000, not including long-term rehabilitation or lost wages. Legal representation can help secure compensation to cover these expenses.
- Helmet laws can influence liability in bike accident claims. While California law requires helmets for cyclists under 18, not wearing one as an adult doesn’t automatically bar compensation. However, insurers may argue it contributed to the severity of injuries, making legal advocacy essential.
- Certain LA streets are hotspots for bike accidents. Intersections along Figueroa Street, Sunset Boulevard, and Venice Boulevard consistently rank among the most dangerous for cyclists.
- Government liability for unsafe road conditions is time-sensitive. Claims against public entities, such as those for poorly maintained bike lanes or dangerous intersections, must be filed within six months under California’s Government Claims Act.
Los Angeles Bike Accident Statistics
Cyclists in Los Angeles face real risks on city streets, regardless of “bike-friendly” branding. Data from the past several years make the dangers clear and highlight the urgent need for legal support after an accident. Consider these facts:
- Deadly trends persist: Between 2016 and 2023, LA County averaged more than 35 cyclist deaths and over 2,300 reported injuries per year—numbers that keep rising despite new bike lanes and Vision Zero efforts.
- Serious injuries are on the rise: From 2018 to 2023, serious bicycle injuries went up by 9 percent, outpacing any progress from infrastructure improvements.
- Minimal protection on city streets: Only 15 percent of major LA roads have protected bike lanes, leaving most cyclists vulnerable to vehicle traffic.
- Crash clusters at key corridors: Nearly half of all cyclist injuries happen at just 6 percent of city intersections, including Figueroa, Sunset, and Venice Boulevards.
- Disproportionate impact in certain neighborhoods: Latino and Black cyclists suffer higher fatality rates, especially in underserved communities.
- Widespread underreporting and insurance issues: One in four cycling crashes go unreported, and many injured cyclists encounter insurance denials or disputes, adding more barriers to recovery.
While the numbers show the risks, experienced counsel can help you turn negligent actions into the compensation and accountability you deserve.
LA Bike Crashes: Why Insurance Companies May Not Be As Friendly As You Think Either
Insurance companies often work against injured cyclists, prioritizing their bottom line over fair compensation. After a bike crash, they may use strategies designed to reduce payouts, leaving cyclists to deal with mounting medical bills and financial stress. Here’s how they do it:
- Shifting blame onto cyclists: Insurers frequently argue that you caused or contributed to the crash, even when evidence proves otherwise. Even partial fault can reduce compensation under California’s comparative negligence laws.
- Downplaying the severity of injuries: Adjusters often undervalue injuries, ignoring long-term medical needs and the impact on your ability to work or live normally.
- Delaying or denying claims: Insurers create unnecessary delays or reject claims outright, using technicalities or incomplete paperwork as excuses.
- Exploiting coverage gaps: California’s minimum insurance requirements often leave cyclists underinsured, and insurers use this to limit payouts or shift responsibility elsewhere.
When insurers try to minimize your claim, you don’t have to face them alone. An experienced attorney can help you navigate California’s complex liability and insurance laws, ensuring you take the right steps to protect your rights and secure the compensation you need.
LA Bike Accident FAQs
What should I do after a bike accident in Los Angeles?
Start by documenting the scene. Take photos of your injuries, the bike, and any hazards or vehicles involved. Collect contact information from witnesses and report the accident to the police. Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Call a personal injury lawyer early to help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights.
Can I file a claim if I was partially at fault for the accident?
California’s comparative negligence laws may allow you to recover compensation after bicycle accident even if you share some fault. An experienced attorney can help minimize your assigned fault and build a strong case to maximize recovery.
How long do I have to file a bike accident claim in California?
In most cases, you must file a personal injury claim two years from the accident date. Acting quickly ensures you meet all legal requirements and strengthens your case.
Contact Neale & Fhima For Comprehensive Legal Support With Los Angeles Bicycle Accident Claims
Los Angeles promotes its commitment to cyclists, but the risks on city streets show a different reality. If a negligent driver or dangerous road left you dealing with injuries, you deserve an advocate who understands the complexities of bike accident claims in LA.
The attorneys at Neale & Fhima help cyclists hold at-fault parties accountable and pursue the compensation needed for medical care, lost wages, and a full recovery.
Don’t let doubts or insurance roadblocks stand in your way. Call 888-407-2955 or complete a brief online form to explore your rights and legal options with experienced bicycle accident lawyers in Los Angeles, California.
Attorney Aaron Fhima
Aaron Fhima is a trial attorney who has secured numerous settlements and verdicts against large corporations and some of the largest auto manufacturers in the world. Representing consumers and injury victims throughout the state of California, Aaron’s practice areas include personal injury, and lemon law litigation. Aaron has a long record of success taking on large defense firms; and he doesn’t hesitate to take cases to trial when necessary to enforce his clients’ rights. [ Attorney Bio ]
