Indiana Bicycle Crashes Hit a Five-Year High in 2024, and Serious Injuries Rose Even Faster

August 29, 2026

• Indiana is encouraging more biking, but that has led to rises in both the rate and severity of bicycle crashes, particularly with cars getting bigger and drivers becoming less safe.
• Moreover, insurance companies tend to resist paying out after bicycle crashes, which usually have higher medical bills, and they often act like riders don’t have rights.
• But you have the same rights as anyone on the road, and a dedicated Indiana bicycle accident lawyer can help you get what you need to be made whole.

The phrase “as easy as riding a bike” is shorthand for something simple. Once you learn how to do it, you never have to think about how to do it again.  It’s second nature.  But while that might be true on a physical and mechanical level, there is definitely a lot to think about when you’re riding a bike in Indiana.

Indeed, cycling can be very dangerous in the Hoosier State, especially in Indiana’s urban areas. Biking infrastructure remains piecemeal, and drivers don’t want to share the road. You have to constantly be on the lookout for dangers, and you might still be the victim of an accident even if you are, if the most recent data on 2024 Indiana bicycle crashes is any indicator.

Indiana bicycle accidents can have long-term consequences, and many cyclists think that it is impossible to obtain fair compensation for damages because the system is stacked against them.  But you have the same legal rights as any driver. And while winning a case can feel like pedaling uphill, working with an experienced Indiana bicycle accident lawyer can get you to level ground.

Worst Indiana Bicycle Crash Rates in Five Years

You shouldn’t have to think about accidents when getting on your bike.  But the reality of biking anywhere in Indiana is that danger is on the rise. Shockingly, 2024 saw a five-year high in cyclists involved in collisions.  In fact, there was a 15.2% increase in bike crashes year-over-year for 2024, according to the Indiana University Public Policy Institute (2024 being the last year with full data).

It’s not just the raw numbers either: suspected serious biking injuries were up more than 20% year-over-year, while suspected minor injuries were up 30%.

Thankfully, the rider fatality rate has dropped, from 32 cycling deaths in 2019 to 19 in 2024. But otherwise, bicycle crashes are up in the state, and injuries are more severe.

Some of the reasons for the increase in Indiana bicycle accident severity include:

• Larger cars: The average American car has grown more than a foot in width and two feet in length since 2013. That leaves significantly less room for bikes and significantly less visibility for drivers.
• Warmer weather: Milder winters and longer falls can mean more time for people to be out on bikes.
• Piecemeal biking infrastructure: Indiana cities have made great strides towards becoming more bicycle friendly. That has increased the number of bicycles on the road, but in many places, such as Lafayette, the biking routes are incomplete, forcing riders to maneuver through traffic.

In general, urban areas are far more dangerous for bikers.  About 90% of Indiana bike crashes happen in densely populated cities like Indianapolis, South Bend, Muncie, Lafayette, and Evansville.  However, one particularly dangerous feature in nearly all Indiana cities is how quickly the roads can go from “slow and packed” to “near-highway and fast,” both of which present their own hazards.

As you can see, biking isn’t always safe in Indiana. But an accident doesn’t have to be the end of the ride.

How You Can Win Your Claim After an Indiana Bicycle Crash

Most cyclists assume that the system is designed for cars, making it impossible for them to win cases.  And the truth is that, yes, the odds may be stacked against you.  Not because there is a conspiracy against bicyclists, but because of the nature of bicycle accidents.

Injuries are more severe. Medical costs are higher. Pain and suffering can be elevated. Insurance companies may fight tooth and nail to avoid paying out, frequently by blaming you for the accident.

But there are some ways you can tip the odds in your favor:

• Call 911 immediately. Make sure a police report is filed that shows who is at fault.
• Take pictures of the scene if you are able.
• Talk to witnesses. There will be a lot in urban areas, and there will also be municipal or private security cameras everywhere.
• Seek medical treatment, both to take care of yourself and to establish a clear paper trail of what happened to you.
• Call a lawyer who understands bike law.

Remember, you have rights. You have the right to recoup costs for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. You aren’t merely a guest on the road, and your crash can’t be brushed aside.  Insurance companies may try to prevent you from getting what you deserve, but you can beat them.  We can help you.

Reach Out to Our Experienced Indiana Bicycle Accident Attorneys

Winning an Indiana bicycle accident claim isn’t as easy as riding a bike. But if you do it enough, it becomes almost like second nature. The Indiana bicycle accident lawyers with the knowledge, the tenacity, and, yes, the drive to win your claim are at Hensley Legal Group, PC, a dedicated Indiana personal injury law firm whose experienced attorneys have been fighting on behalf of the wrongfully injured since 1998.

You can call us at (317) 472-3333, chat with us online, or fill out our contact form now for a free consultation with a seasoned Indiana bicycle accident attorney.