Louisiana is the second-most dangerous state for cyclists, according to statistics gathered by the League of American Bicyclists. The state’s average fatality rate over five years, spanning from 2017 to 2021, was 6.1 bicyclist deaths per one million residents.

The city of Lake Charles, in particular, fares even worse. Using the most recent numbers from Louisiana State University’s Center for Analytics & Research in Transportation Safety (CARTS), the area’s 2022 fatality rate is calculated to have been 9.9 cyclist deaths per one million residents.

Fortunately, officials at the city, parish, and state levels have recognized these issues and are adopting long-term plans to improve bike safety.

Lake Charles Bicycle Accident Statistics

Although Lake Charles had a high fatality rate in 2022, the number for the year actually represents an outlier. Over the past ten years, the city has averaged 1.1 bicyclist fatalities each year.

Due to the city’s small population, however, that still leaves it with a fatality rate of 5.4 cyclist deaths per one million residents, double the national average of 2.7 cyclist deaths per one million residents.

Nevertheless, death is not the only outcome cyclists can suffer in a collision with a vehicle.

In 2022, CARTS reported that 23 bicyclists were injured in bicycle accidents, the outcomes of which fall into one of the following three categories:

  • Serious injuries requiring an ambulance to carry the cyclist from the scene
  • Visible yet minor injuries allowing the cyclist to leave under their own power
  • Suspected injuries that cause pain or other symptoms but left no visible wound

As cyclists have virtually zero protection in the event of a collision, they almost always sustain injuries. Minor injuries, like abrasions, lacerations, and muscle strains, happen more frequently. However, serious injuries, including permanent brain damage and injuries to the spinal cord, can still occur, especially when cyclists do not wear helmets.

Cyclists Injured and Killed in Lake Charles, LA

Bicyclist injuries and deaths in Lake Charles show a surprising pattern: Bicycle crashes overwhelmingly affect older cyclists over younger ones.

Since 2013, only 9% of bicyclists killed were under 18, and only 24% of injured bicyclists were of the same age group. The majority of both injured cyclists and those killed were between the ages of 21 and 44.

In addition, these cyclists were primarily male. It’s a fairly expected fact, as men are more likely to ride bicycles and choose to make use of high-speed roadways over bike trails. As a result, men take more risks while cycling, like passing slow-moving vehicles or trying to squeeze between parked cars and traffic lanes.

Dangerous Times To Cycle in Lake Charles

Bicycle crashes tend to happen during rush hours, as increased traffic congestion means equally increased interactions between motor vehicles and bicycles. Crashes see a small jump between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m., but a much larger spike occurs between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.

According to CARTS, most bicycle crashes in Lake Charles happen on weekdays. Though crash numbers do not vary much from workday to workday, Fridays see a slight uptick, as both intoxicated driving and riding increase as the weekend begins.

Common Causes of Lake Charles Bike Crashes

Bicycle crashes happen for a relatively small set of reasons.

An error on the part of either a driver or cyclist can lead to a collision, but crashes blamed on cyclists tend to happen as a result of the following actions:

  • Unsafe lane changes
  • Failure to yield at intersections
  • Running red lights and stop signs

Crashes blamed on drivers, however, include many more potential causes — distracted driving being one that causes many bicycle collisions. Drivers already have a difficult time spotting cyclists due to their relatively small size and a cognitive bias against seeing them.

Distractions only compound the problem, especially since cars travel so much faster than bicycles. In a distraction lasting just two seconds, a vehicle traveling just 25 miles per hour will cover over 72 feet.

Another common cause of bike crashes involves drivers who fail to check their blind spots before changing lanes. Drivers might not spot bikes using just their mirrors, which can lead to them sideswiping bicycles when they change lanes without checking. While sideswiping another car usually only causes property damage, sideswiping a bicycle can run them off the road.

Finally, alcohol plays a role in many bike crashes in Lake Charles. Although the sample size is small, roughly one-third of fatal pedestrian and bicycle crashes in Lake Charles were caused by intoxicated drivers. Intoxication can alter a driver’s perception and dull their reflexes, and those under the influence tend to drive at night when bikes are less visible.

Dangerous Locations For Cyclists in Lake Charles, Louisiana

Louisiana has not released a comprehensive map of common bicycle crash sites, but Lake Charles has identified the roads that present the most pressing needs for safety improvements. The city has many roads that form hotspots for both pedestrian and bicycle accidents due to narrow lanes, crumbling or non-existent sidewalks, and traffic congestion.

Some of these roads are as follows:

  • Prater St.
  • Simmons St.
  • Goos Blvd.
  • Moeling St.
  • 1st Ave.
  • Opelousas St.
  • South Shattuck
  • Mill St.
  • Hodges St.
  • Kirkman St.
  • Kirby St.
  • 7th St.
  • 11th St.
  • Sale Rd.

As these roads form some of the city’s busiest routes for both cars and bicycles, they may be difficult for commuter cyclists to avoid.

Lake Charles Bicycle Infrastructure

Lake Charles has very little infrastructure expressly intended for cyclists.

Only LA-397/Ward Line Rd. and US-90/Fruge St. have paved shoulders suitable for riders. Any other commuting routes require cyclists to share travel lanes with motor vehicles or ride on sidewalks. The city’s transit buses can only carry up to two bikes on front-mounted racks, but passengers can take a bike on the bus for no additional fare.

As for recreational cycling in Lake Charles, riders can find bike trails in Sam Houston Jones State Park and Prien Lake Park.

Riding Your Bicycle Safely in Lake Charles, Louisiana

Cyclists in Lake Charles should try to use routes that involve sidewalks, but those who want to go into the downtown business district should exercise caution or take their bikes onto buses. Finally, riders should always wear helmets. They may seem obvious, but just these few tips can help you ride safely in the city.