Active Transportation Safety - Demographics
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Demographics
Source: WSDOT Active Transportation Division.
Note: Population data does not include the category other/unknown. Data has been updated for these charts and as a result may not exactly match text from earlier versions of the article due to updates within the Coded Fatality Files and WSDOT Engineering Crash Datamart.
Performance analysis
2022
Rates of pedestrian, bicyclist traffic crashes vary by demographic
The over-representation of pedestrian and bicyclist traffic crashes in American Indian/Alaska Native Washingtonians indicates a need for a commitment to equity for historically transportation-disadvantaged populations.
American Indian/Alaska Native Washingtonians were involved in 5.4% of the state's pedestrian and bicyclist fatal crashes in 2022 yet they comprised 1.2% of the population.
In 2022, Black people were not overrepresented in pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities as they are 4.1% of the state's population and comprised 4.1% of these fatalities. In 2021, 5.0% of pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities in Washington involved Black people, who made up 3.7% of the state's population.
2021
Rates of pedestrian, bicyclist traffic crashes vary by demographic
Even though people who are American Indian/Alaska Native, and Black make up only 5.0% of the state's population, they were involved in 10.9% of pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities from 2012-2021.
American Indian/Alaska Native Washingtonians made up 5.9% of the state's pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities from 2012-2021, but 1.3% of the population. Similarly, 5.0% of pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities in Washington during this period involved Black people, who made up 3.7% of the state's population.
The over-representation of these groups indicates a need for a commitment to equity for historically transportation-disadvantaged populations.
2020
Rates of pedestrian and bicyclist traffic crashes vary by demographic
The percentages of pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities involving people who are American Indian/Alaska Native, Black, or Hispanic were greater than the percentage of those race/ethnicity groups in the total population.
Bicyclists and pedestrians in their 20s more likely to be killed or injured than other age groups. People in their 20s are more likely to be killed or seriously injured while walking or bicycling than members of other age groups. The percentages of pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities from 2010-2019 (the latest data available) involving people who are American Indian/Alaska Native, Black, or Hispanic were greater than the percentage of those race/ethnicity groups in the total population.
American Indian/Alaska Native Washingtonians made up 5% of the states pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities during this period, but 2% of the population. Similarly, 5% of pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities in Washington during this period involved Black people, who made up 4% of the state's population. Finally, while 12% of the state's population was Hispanic, 14% of pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities involved a Hispanic person. The over representation of these groups indicates a need for a commitment to equity for historically transportation-disadvantaged populations.This demographic made up 14% of the total state population but was involved in 18% of all pedestrian and bicyclist fatal and serious injury crashes during the 10-year period 2010-2019.
2019
Rates of pedestrian, bicyclist traffic crashes vary by demographic
The rates of fatalities and serious injuries to bicyclists and pedestrians vary depending on several demographic characteristics, including age, income and race.
Bicyclists and pedestrians in their 20s more likely to be killed or injured than other age groups. People in their 20s are more likely to be killed or seriously injured while walking or bicycling than members of other age groups. The percentages of pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities from 2010-2019 (the latest data available) involving people who are American Indian/Alaska Native, Black, or Hispanic were greater than the percentage of those race/ethnicity groups in the total population.
American Indian/Alaska Native Washingtonians made up 5% of the states pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities during this period, but 2% of the population. Similarly, 5% of pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities in Washington during this period involved Black people, who made up 4% of the state's population. Finally, while 12% of the state's population was Hispanic, 14% of pedestrian and bicyclist fatalities involved a Hispanic person. The over representation of these groups indicates a need for a commitment to equity for historically transportation-disadvantaged populations. This demographic made up 14% of the total state population but was involved in 18% of all pedestrian and bicyclist fatal and serious injury crashes during the 10-year period 2010-2019.
2018
Rates of pedestrian, bicyclist traffic crashes vary by demographic
Approximately 67% of fatal and serious injury crashes from 2014- 2018 involved men, and about 33% involved women.
In proportion to their representation in the population, people in their 20s are more likely to be killed or seriously injured while walking or bicycling. This demographic made up 14% of the total population from 2014-2018 but was involved in 18% of all pedestrian and bicyclist fatal and serious injury crashes. Compared to other age groups, younger and older people are less likely to be killed or seriously injured when walking or bicycling. Children ages 19 and younger comprised 25% of the total Washington state population from 2014-2018, with 16% of pedestrian or bicyclist fatalities and serious injuries. People 65 years and older are also underrepresented; they made up 15% of the total population during the five-year period and were involved in 14% of fatal and serious injury pedestrian and bicyclist crashes.