Objective   To investigate the characteristics and risk factors of bike-sharing related road traffic accidents in Nanning city, and to provide a theoretical basis for the adoption and formulation of prevention and control measures.

  Methods   We conducted a self-administered online questionnaire survey to collect information on the occurrence of road traffic accident, cycling behavior and cycling environment among 458 Nanning citizens who had cycling experience in the past three months.

  Results   Of the 430 valid respondents, 33.7% (145) reported that they had experienced cycling-related road traffic accidents. There was no significant gender difference in the reported incidence rate but the respondents aged > 30 years and with lower education reported a significantly higher incidence of traffic accidents; the respondents being employed reported a significantly higher traffic accidents than the respondents being student; the respondents with more experiences of minor injury or risky riding behaviors reported a significantly higher traffic accidents than those without the experiences. Heavy traffic and high speed of the vehicles on roads of cycling and bike lane being occupied by motor vehicles were major problems for cycling environment reported by the respondents.

  Conclusion   The incidents of bike-sharing related traffic accidents are influenced by multiple factors and comprehensive measures such as formulating bicycle traffic safety regulations, improving riding environment, carrying out safety education, and promoting helmet use, should be taken for the prevention of bike-sharing traffic accidents.