Sharing The Road: More Cyclists Hit Philly Streets In 2016, Less Crashes

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- "I almost crashed into a car, because they turned right and I was in the bike lane," said one Philadelphia cyclist.

"I think, in general drivers are aggressive," added another.

And from a driver "A biker actually hit the side of my car, and just kept going!"

With more people opting to pedal their way through and around the city, traffic has become more congested, and sometimes confusing.

"Every year we see more bikes in the city," Captain Patrick Kelly, with the Accident Investigation Division said.

More cyclists on the road, but not more crashes. "Bike accidents, with and without injuries have seen a little bit of a decrease in 2016, as opposed to 2015," said Kelly.

By this time last year, nine people were killed in nearly 700 crashes. This year, three people have died in about 600 bike versus car collisions.

Kelly says just like drivers, cyclists can get pulled over if they are causing chaos on the streets.

"Egregious acts, where they are putting themselves in danger, or pedestrians in danger," said Kelly, adding that cyclists are given citations often.

Both people behind the wheel and the handlebars have been at fault for accidents. Bikers are supposed to follow the same rules of the road that drivers do.

When it comes to arguments between drivers and cyclists though, he says don't confront the other person. "That's not something we want happening."

Instead, if you are involved in a crash, stay where you are and call police.

Information for cyclists who may be involved in a crash can be found here.