Oklahoma's Own In Focus: Cyclist Safety Challenges Spotlighted By Recent Data

Oklahoma ranks 9th in the top ten most dangerous states for cyclists, according to the most recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. News On 6 took an in-focus look at safety concerns for cyclists.

Cyclist Safety Data

In 2022, there were more than 1,100 cyclists killed on roads across the country—the highest number recorded since 2007. INCOG, which helps with transit planning in and around Tulsa, says the numbers aren't surprising.

“It's a multitude of factors. We see a lack of education and a lack of understanding of how bicycle infrastructure is used by both cyclists and by drivers,” said an INCOG representative. “A lack of infrastructure dedicated for cyclists that separates them from automobile traffic is another issue.”

In Oklahoma, on average, 3.42 cyclists are killed in fatal crashes every year for every 1 million residents.

A Cyclist’s Safety Concerns

Ry Lewis is lucky to be alive today. A driver hit him while riding his bike to work on Peoria back in 2018.

“The driver threw me into the fence over the BA, and I blacked out from a major concussion. And then when I came to, none of those cars had stopped. To this day, I don't know where that driver is. They never found him or her,” Lewis said.

The crash shattered Lewis's left leg. The last time News On 6 talked to him, he wasn't sure if he'd ever cycle again.

Related:  Tulsa Man Hospitalized After Being Struck By Hit-And-Run Driver

"He hit me hard enough that I bent the steel frame on my bike, and I've got a lot of rework done because of it," he said.

Now, Lewis is back on the bike—commuting to work, competing in races, going on the Wednesday night ride, and still worries about his safety.

"I can pull up videos just from this year of extremely close passes—like crazy scary stuff—to the point where I want to start pulling cameras out for my bike, and I already run radar off the back just to try and notify me when cars are coming up on me," he said.

While Lewis thinks Tulsa drivers have a good attitude about cyclists, he understands the frustration they can cause on the road.

“We clog the roads at times,” he said. “And we're not doing 50 miles an hour or 40 miles an hour. We're doing 10 and 20, if that.”

That's why he goes the extra mile to make sure he's visible and aware—including mirrors, radar, and extra lights when he's out on the road. Lewis also changed his commute after the crash to lesser-traveled roads.

Cyclist Safety Meeting

INCOG is in the process of updating the regional bike and pedestrian plan for the area. It's called the Tulsa Go! Plan; it identifies opportunities for cycling routes and paths for both recreational use and commuters.

INCOG is hosting several workshops on Oct. 29 and 30 to get input from the community. You can also complete a survey online. Click here for more information.