CTDOT Notes Increase in Bicycle Fatalities in the State

 Posted on December 12, 2025 in Personal Injury

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is responding to an alarming increase in bicycle-related fatalities across the state. As of August 2025, there have been six bicyclist fatalities, which exceeds the annual totals for 2021 through 2024, and matches the number of cyclist deaths in 2020. In addition to the six fatalities, there have been 21 serious injuries and 102 minor injuries involving cyclists in 2025.

Outreach efforts are ongoing across the state to promote safer streets for bicyclists by encouraging motorists to increase awareness, exercise caution, and respect cyclists’ right to share the road. Cyclists are advised to wear helmets and high-visibility gear and to practice defensive riding. If you are the victim of a bicycle accident caused by the negligence of a motorist, you may have a personal injury claim. An experienced Greenwich, CT bicycle accident attorney can help build a strong case on your behalf.  

Why Are Bicycle Fatalities Increasing Across Connecticut?

Several factors have contributed to the increase in bicycle fatalities in the state. There has been a surge in e-bike popularity, which brings heavier, faster bikes along with riders who may lack experience handling them. This tends to increase the severity of a bicycle/vehicle collision. The state generally lacks dedicated bike lanes and safe routes for cyclists, making them more vulnerable to automobiles.

Distracted driving, failure to yield, and drivers opening car doors into traffic all contribute to the increase in the number of bicycle accidents and resulting fatalities. CTDOT found that bicycle collisions are more prevalent in high-speed suburban corridors, multi-lane urban roads without protected bike lanes, and locations with poor lighting or limited visibility.

Distracted driving is not only a major factor in car accidents, but it is also a major factor in bicycle and pedestrian accidents. Smartphone-related distractions continue to be a contributor, causing drivers to fail to see a cyclist in time to brake or avoid impact.

What Are the Most Common Types of Bicycle Crashes in Connecticut?

"Right-hook" and "left-hook" collisions occur when a driver turns right across a bike lane, or left, in front of an oncoming cyclist. Passing crashes occur when drivers fail to maintain Connecticut’s three-foot passing law, or in high-speed overtakes on narrow roads across the state. "Dooring" incidents occur when a driver or passenger opens a car door directly into the cyclist’s path. Finally, a lack of roadway lighting can cause drivers to fail to see cyclists who are not wearing reflective gear.

How is Negligence Proven in Connecticut Bicycle Fatalities?

A personal injury attorney may look for dashcam or video surveillance footage that clearly shows the driver was at fault. Other evidence to prove negligence could include:

• Cellphone records to prove distracted driving
• Vehicle data recorder information to show speed, braking, and steering
• Police reports
• Collision reconstruction
• Violations of traffic statutes or local ordinances
• Evidence showing a municipality failed to maintain safe road conditions

A municipality could be liable if bike lanes are missing despite engineering recommendations, or road markings are faded or improperly maintained. Intersections that lack visibility improvements could prove municipal liability, as could road defects or debris that were reported but not addressed. Connecticut’s sovereign immunity rules impose notice requirements and exceptions, making early legal action essential.

Contact a Greenwich, CT Bicycle Accident Lawyer

If you suffered serious injuries from a bicycle accident, or you are a family member of a loved one who died in a fatal bicycle crash, you deserve answers, accountability, and compensation. An experienced Connecticut personal injury attorney from Ivey, Barnum & O'Mara, LLC can investigate CTDOT data, roadway conditions, and driver conduct to build a strong case.

Our attorneys are actively involved in civic and charitable organizations and have served in many positions, including seats in the U.S. Congress and Senate, Probate Judge, First Selectman of the Town of Greenwich, and President of the Greenwich, Fairfield County Regional, and Connecticut Bar Associations. Call 203-661-6000 to schedule your free consultation.