# Connecticut Sees Alarming Rise in Cyclist Deaths in 2025, New Safety Measures Coming
Connecticut is facing a troubling surge in cyclist fatalities in 2025. At least six deaths have already happened this year—more than triple the five-year average of 1.8 deaths by this point.
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This spike stands out, especially since fatality rates for all other road users are actually dropping. E-bike usage keeps climbing, particularly among younger riders.
New safety regulations will kick in this October as officials scramble to get a handle on this growing public safety issue.
Cyclist Deaths Buck Overall Downward Trend in Traffic Fatalities
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) says road safety has improved overall. Total roadway deaths dropped to 131 so far in 2025, compared to 181 during the same period last year.
Most categories of road users are seeing fewer deaths. That’s the good news.
“What makes the cyclist fatality numbers so alarming is that they’re moving in the opposite direction of all other traffic deaths,” a DOT spokesperson explained. “While we’re seeing fewer fatalities among drivers, passengers, pedestrians, motorcyclists, and ATV riders, cyclist deaths have more than tripled compared to historical averages.”
E-Bikes Contributing to Rising Concerns
The DOT doesn’t currently separate traditional bicycle and e-bike fatalities in their data. Still, officials in Hartford are worried about crashes involving electrically-powered bikes.
E-bikes are getting more popular in places like Trumbull, Stamford, and New Haven. That’s bringing a whole new set of safety headaches.
Recent incidents really drive the point home. In Trumbull, a 15-year-old boy died in an e-bike crash.
Meanwhile, in North Canaan, a 27-year-old e-bike rider suffered serious injuries. These cases seem to be part of a pattern showing up in more and more Connecticut towns.
Children at Heightened Risk as E-Bike Usage Grows
Safety experts in Bridgeport and Greenwich have noticed a big jump in middle school-aged kids using e-bikes for both transportation and fun.
That shift is feeding into the rising accident rates, especially among younger riders.
“We’re seeing more young riders on increasingly powerful e-bikes,” says a safety advocate from Westport. “Many of these children haven’t developed the road awareness or judgment needed to safely operate these vehicles, which can reach speeds of 20 mph or higher.”
New Safety Regulations Taking Effect
In response to these troubling numbers, Connecticut lawmakers have passed several new safety rules set to take effect on October 1st:
“These new regulations are a step in the right direction,” says a traffic safety officer in Danbury. “But education and awareness will be equally important in preventing further tragedies.”
Looking Ahead: Continued Vigilance Required
Safety experts warn that injuries and fatalities among young e-bike riders could keep climbing if folks don’t stay alert and put real effort into prevention. E-bikes are everywhere these days, and it’s got some people worried.
Parents in Connecticut are getting reminders to talk with their kids about road safety. That means making sure they know the rules and actually wear the right protective gear—helmets, at the very least.
“This isn’t just about following new regulations—it’s about creating a culture of safety,” says a cycling advocate from Bike Connecticut. “All road users, whether in cars, on bikes, or on foot, need to remain vigilant and share our roadways responsibly.”
Here is the source article for this story: 6 cyclists killed in Connecticut this year ‘concerning’ as more youths riding e-bikes, officials say
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