As Arizona’s largest city prepares to ramp up the use of bike paths, a new report shows an increase in bicycle-related injuries.

According to a study published in the September issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), the incidence of cyclist injuries increased by 28 percent and hospital admissions more than doubled.

Dr. Natasha Bhuyan, a Phoenix-area family physician, said the recent passage of a Phoenix transportation initiative means the issue should get even more attention in our region.

“With the passage of Proposition 104 and adding 1,000 miles of bike lanes and bike paths to Phoenix, I think that is great because it will encourage our residents to ride more," Bhuyan said. "But I also want to see bikers practicing safe habits, and I want drivers to also be aware of how they can keep bikers safe.”

The JAMA study was conducted over a 15-year period between 1998 and 2013. The largest increase in bicycle accidents came among riders 45 and older.