The increasing popularity of bicycling and a recent fatal crash in Windham led the Data Monitor team to take a look at crash data for the past several years.
The heavier population counties generally reported the most bicycle crashes, according to our analysis. The data are for 2017 through 2021, but we also checked in with the Bicycle Coalition of Maine for this year’s totals.
“By our count, 2 cyclists have been killed on Maine roads in 2022. That has been the number every year since at least 2016,’’ Jean Sideris, the executive director of the coalition, said in an email.
The state also reports that 16 pedestrians have died in crashes in 2022.
The coalition has repeatedly urged Mainers to take extra care during winter months.
“As the days get shorter and darker, the Bicycle Coalition of Maine reminds drivers to slow down and pay extra attention in locations where pedestrians or bicycle riders are likely to appear, especially during inclement weather. Pedestrians and bicyclists are reminded to consider their visibility in low light conditions, and to use lights or reflective materials to help increase their conspicuity,’’ the coalition said after two recent pedestrian deaths.
