A big increase in crashes involving bicycles and cars in Sacramento has some bike advocates asking just how safe the city is for those who pedal to their destinations.

KCRA 3 investigated and found several cyclists who suffered serious injuries and experienced close calls on the streets of the capital.

City Councilman Steve Cohn said the city definitely has room for improvement, especially after such wrecks increased 47 percent in the past year.

Walt Seifert, a Sacramento cycling expert, said safety concerns are the biggest reason people give for not riding in the city.

KCRA 3 found no single factor behind the rise in bike crashes involving cars. But statewide figures show that eight out of every 10 fatal bike-versus-car wrecks involve a vehicle hitting a bike from behind.