If you can take your bike ride where there isn’t much traffic and more nature by any means it’d probably be not only better for your body but also for your mind. A lot of us are spending way too much time indoors and should take any ocasion to be outdoors
I switched from biking to work to riding a spin bike after the pandemic lockdowns, and since I'm no longer riding on roads with traffic, I've probably increased my life expectancy since I'm not going to get hit by a car in my livingroom.
I usually ride my bike around 5:30-7am when traffic usually isn't a concern. I also choose routes that are also low-traffic but still rewarding (decent climb and scenery).
If you look at statistics there are more fatal crashes between 4am and 8am than between the 4 hours after. [1]
I looked it up, because I would've thought the missing light during night and dawn times and the more sleepy drivers probably offset any safety gains from less traffic on the roads. It's also much easier to speed with less traffic.
That sleepyness is a factor in car crashes can also be observed with increased rates shortly after winter/summer time changes.
True, but I think the parent comment was referring to less congestion. When it comes to bicycling, I always feel that it's my responsibility as a rider to look out for my own safety. Always regard all and any cars as being driven at 4AM by a drunk driver - regardless of time of day. In the middle of the day that means keeping track of multiple vehicles in different directions relative to my path.
During low traffic, there may be one vehicle to keep track of, and few pedestrians or other bikes.
That safe environment is quickly turned into an enabler for more aggressive and careless riding though. For fun and for getting from A to B faster.
Interesting - the data you shared isn't bicycle related, just all motor vehicle crashes.
It might be more interesting to look at bicycle fatalities than fatal car crashes [1]. Looking at the time-of-day distribution, fully 50% of such fatalities happen between 3pm-midnight. 6-9am is a higher risk slot (12%), but I'd probably avoid biking during 8-9am regardless.
I usually do the same thing, but most of my route is on a local shared use path. Getting out there before most of the joggers is just so much more relaxing.
