Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
SALT LAKE CITY — Levi Roberts, city planner for Nibley, in Cache County, was biking his usual route to work one morning last summer when, suddenly, everything changed.
"I flew off my bike, and I hit my head on the ground," Roberts said.
He had been hit by a pickup truck going about 20 mph, and the impact crunched his bike and sent him sprawling across the asphalt. He was transported to the hospital with a serious road rash, bruising, a mild concussion and a broken tibia, which required extensive surgery.
"That (helmet) probably saved my life that day," he said. He also wonders what might have happened if the car had been traveling at a higher speed.
Now, almost a year removed from the accident, Roberts is back to commuting via bicycle — and he isn't taking any chances. In addition to a helmet, he now wears a reflective vest, even in daylight hours.
"When I asked the guy, 'Why did you hit me?' he said, 'I did not see you,'" Roberts said.
Historically, the relationship between cyclists and motorists has been fraught with tension and misunderstanding. It's important for both parties to acknowledge responsibility in keeping roads safe, Roberts said.
It might be more important now than ever, especially with e-bikes and e-scooters entering the traffic scene. In 2023, bike-vehicle crashes were 11.6% above the five-year average, according to the Utah Department of Public Safety.
There were 548 bike-vehicle crashes in Utah last year, nine of which were fatal. Most shocking of all, only 1.45% of cyclists involved in crashes were wearing helmets — a drop from 11.31% in 2019.
Wearing helmets while cycling is a top concern, said Salt Lake Police Sgt. Ryan Sanders. Other issues for cyclists include obeying traffic signals, using lights and wearing reflective clothing.
Cyclists are not the only ones to blame. In 69% of accidents, a vehicle failed to yield the right of way to cyclists who were making right turns or traveling straight ahead.
Thomas Cooke, a strategist for Utah nonprofit Bicycle Collective, said he's seen Utah roads change in the 30 years he's been cycling around the state.
"The population has grown — it's not as laid-back as it used to be," Cooke said.
But in some ways, the roads are more friendly for cyclists than ever. City planners are promoting separated roadways for bikes, like the ones on 900 South and 300 West in Salt Lake City.
People For Bikes ranked Salt Lake City in the 89th percentile for cyclists, and Bicycle Friendly America rated Utah No. 10 in the nation for bicycle friendliness.
Still, there's a way to go. In the Beehive State, less than 1% of commuters get to work via bike. One of the solutions to traffic and commuting problems is getting people out of cars, Cooke says.
"Every time you bike to the store to pick up a gallon of milk, that's one less car on the road," Cooke said.
Plus, he sees biking as an opportunity to unplug and be more present on the road. In the car, it's easy to be distracted by the radio, cellphones and passengers. Behind the handlebars, the only thing to think about is Point A and Point B, he said.
