Biking is a great way to get around Richmond Heights. Many people are taking to their bikes for their commute, exercise, or just for fun. However, with more cyclists using the roads, bicycle accidents have become a growing concern.

What Causes Bike Accidents?

While Richmond Heights is not the most dangerous city in Missouri for bike riders, crashes can happen at busy intersections or on major roads where cyclists encounter cars and trucks more often.

Many accidents happen because the car or truck driver simply isn’t paying attention. With the rising popularity of smartphones, distracted driving is a major problem throughout the United States. Cyclists are very vulnerable when drivers don’t pay attention, and even a slow-speed accident can cause serious injuries.

Bike riders also face the risk of being doored. This happens when a parked driver opens their car door without first checking whether anyone is approaching, and a cyclist crashes into the door. When there aren’t bike lanes, cyclists have to ride close to parked cars, meaning anyone in a car or truck should look behind the vehicle before opening a door.

Poor weather and badly maintained roads also contribute to a number of bike crashes. Potholes and uneven pavement are especially dangerous because they make it easy for a rider to lose control and fall into traffic. Road rage against cyclists is also a growing problem in some areas, and riders have been forced off the road, injured, and even killed.

Richmond Heights, MO Cycling Crash Stats

Due to its size, Richmond Heights has few traffic and cycling accidents and even fewer fatalities; police reported zero fatal traffic collisions in the city in 2023. 

St. Louis County, however, has a considerable number of bicycle accidents. More than 130 riders were affected in 2023, with 84 being injured and one person losing their life. Almost one-quarter (24%) of those crashes happened on just three roads: Clayton Road, Olive Street, and Manchester Road.

Current Bike Infrastructure In Richmond Heights, MO

Biking in Richmond Heights has some benefits but is not always easy. St. Louis County wants to improve things with better infrastructure and safer routes for cyclists.

The 10/10 Bikes program offers ten miles of trails, but inside Richmond Heights, bike lanes are hard to find. Cyclists often have to ride in traffic or on sidewalks, neither of which is ideal. Even streets with bike markings don’t do much to keep cars at a safe distance.

Safety is the biggest issue. A painted line won’t stop a car from drifting over, and a small mistake from a driver can be dangerous. The county’s plan includes adding dedicated bike paths, barriers, and safer crossings.

If those upgrades happen, biking will be a better option. For now, cyclists need to stay alert and plan their routes carefully.

Tips For Safer Biking

There’s no way to guarantee you won’t be injured while out on a bike, but riders can do things to help protect themselves, including:

  • Wear a helmet.
  • Use lights at night.
  • Use hand signals.
  • Make eye contact with drivers at intersections.
  • Plan routes ahead of time.

Motorists have responsibilities, too. They should check behind them before they open their doors, give cyclists enough space, and slow down when they see someone on a bike. Awareness and patience go a long way in making Richmond Heights a safer place to ride.

Bridging The Gap For Cyclist Safety

Richmond Heights has the potential to be a safer place for cyclists. With ongoing efforts from the community and local officials, small improvements can make a big difference.