According to state statistics, nearly 70% of bicycle crashes in Idaho between 2012 and 2021 occurred in just six of its cities: Boise, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Falls, Meridian, Nampa, and Pocatello. Bicycle crashes in Idaho Falls were over 100 in that time frame.

Be that as it may, Idaho Falls earns its reputation as a great place for outdoor recreational activities. The city has a fleshed-out bicycle infrastructure, including several protected multi-use paths along the Snake River, which riders can use to drastically reduce their risk of a collision with an automobile.

Idaho Falls Bicycle Accident Statistics

Although Idaho provides limited statistics for bicycle accidents in individual cities, it is clear that most crashes in the state (over 90%) occur in urban areas, which means the statewide trends reflect those in a region like Idaho Falls.

While the numbers fluctuate from year to year, the total number of bicycle accidents in the state’s urban areas has trended downward. In 2012, the state recorded over 350 collisions between automobiles and bicycles. But by 2021, that number had fallen to just over 150.

Additionally, crash rates have fallen for every age group except those between 61 and 70. Some of the most precipitous drops occurred with riders under 30.

Bicycle Accident Outcomes

Bicycle crashes are particularly dangerous for Idaho riders because the state does not require any cyclists to wear helmets. While helmet use has crept up slowly, it still hovers around a mere 25%.

As a result, non-injury crashes are rare. Most crashes result in minor injuries that produce visible wounds and possible injuries that cause symptoms like pain or dizziness. For example, a concussion without any apparent head trauma would qualify as a potential injury.

Serious injuries are, thankfully, less common. These incapacitate riders, leaving them unable to leave the crash scene under their own power and instead requiring an ambulance. Still, despite their relative rarity, Idaho saw at least one bicycle fatality every year from 2012 through 2021 (except 2015).

Causes of Bicycle Accidents

The reasons that bicycle accidents occur in Idaho fall into a few narrow categories, including the following:

Failure to Yield

According to the state’s statistics, the most common driver action leading to bicycle accidents is failing to yield to cyclists. It is a violation that occurs when drivers proceed instead of waiting for a bicycle that has the right of way, and it can happen at intersections or mid-block when a driver fails to spot an oncoming bicycle and proceeds ahead.

Unsafe Passing

When a vehicle driver intends to overtake a bicycle, they can sideswipe the rider or run them off the road. They can also startle the rider, causing them to swerve and crash.

Idaho Falls Bicycle Infrastructure

According to the city’s official bicycle map, Idaho Falls has several multi-use pathways. These paths are reserved for bicyclists, pedestrians, and other non-motorized traffic. The pathways along the Snake River near Riverside Drive and River Parkway provide a scenic route for recreational riders.

However, the city has limited protected pathways for commuters. Instead, many of the city’s roads either have painted bike lanes or no bicycle infrastructure. Some notable exceptions include Elva Street, Memorial Drive, and 25th Street.

Riding Safely in Idaho Falls

Although Idaho Falls is one of the state’s most dangerous cities for cyclists, safely navigating its roadways is still possible. Wearing a helmet can reduce your risk of head injuries, and planning your route to use roads with bike lanes or multi-use paths can help limit your interactions with vehicular traffic altogether.