The hockey community was left reeling after the deaths of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, who tragically lost their lives when a suspected drunk driver struck them while they were cycling.

This incident is yet another stark reminder of the increasing dangers cyclists face on the road.

Recent national data indicates that the deaths of the Gaudreau siblings are part of a worrying trend, with cyclist fatalities from motor vehicle accidents in 2022 reaching their highest levels in several years.

The fatalities have sparked concern among biking safety advocates across the country, such as the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia, which has raised awareness about the need for safer bike lanes in the wake of another tragedy in July, when doctor Barbara Friedes was fatally hit while biking.

Rising Cyclist Fatalities on the Roads

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that 1,105 cyclists died in 2022 due to motor vehicle collisions. This figure—now including deaths from motorized bicycles—marked a significant increase compared to previous years, with 976 fatalities in 2021, 948 in 2020, 859 in 2019, and 871 in 2018.

The NHTSA noted that cyclist deaths in traffic accidents have been gradually increasing since 2010.

In 2022, 59% of cyclist fatalities occurred away from intersections and involved collisions with light trucks, which include SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans. The average age of deceased cyclists in 2021 was 49.

The majority of cyclist deaths took place in urban areas, making up 83% of all fatalities, according to the federal agency. This is up from 69% in 2011.

Florida reported the highest number of cyclist deaths in 2022 (222), followed by California (177) and Texas (91), while states like Nebraska and Rhode Island reported no cyclist fatalities.

Details of the Gaudreau Brothers’ Tragic Accident

The Gaudreau brothers were cycling on a rural road in Oldmans Township, New Jersey, near their hometown when the tragic accident occurred Thursday night, as reported by New Jersey State Police.

Sean Higgins has been charged with two counts of death by auto after allegedly driving his Jeep Grand Cherokee into the brothers.

Both Johnny, aged 31, and Matthew, aged 29, succumbed to their injuries, according to police.

The Columbus Blue Jackets expressed their shock and sorrow over this devastating loss, stating, “Johnny was not just an exceptional player, but a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and friend.” They extended heartfelt condolences to his wife, Meredith, his children, Noa and Johnny, and his family and friends.

Solutions to Reduce Bicyclist Deaths

The League of American Bicyclists, a nonprofit organization that advocates for cycling, has proposed several measures to enhance safety and prevent such tragedies, which include:

• Creating safer vehicles that come equipped with automatic braking systems capable of recognizing cyclists to potentially avoid fatal collisions.
• Establishing protected bike lanes to make roads safer for cyclists.
• Implementing lower speed limits in city and residential areas.

The NHTSA supports these recommendations, highlighting the need for improved cyclist-friendly infrastructure.

The federal agency stated, “Improving infrastructure along with encouraging safe behaviors among all road users is vital for enhancing overall safety and reducing fatalities and injuries while promoting cycling.” According to their findings, enhancing safety measures while increasing cycling activity will lower the risk for individuals.

Contributors: Brian Hedger and Cole Behrens, Columbus Dispatch; Jay Cannon, YSL News