Florida has Highest Bicycle Fatality Rate in the U.S.

New research from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has revealed that Florida is the deadliest state in the country for cycling.

According to the CDC, about 100 cyclists are killed in Florida each year. While cycling accounts for only one percent of trips across all modes of transportation, bicyclists are killed at double the rate of motor vehicle occupants.

Overall, mortality rates among bicyclists have declined, with the steepest decline having occurred among children under the age of 15. However, mortality rates among adults between 35 and 74 years of age have increased since 1975. Specifically, the largest increase was among adults between 35 and 54 years of age.

Another recent study published in the journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), revealed that hospital admissions forbike-riding injuriesmore than doubled between 1998 and 2013. During this time period, the greatest increase in bike-riding injuries was among cyclists over the age of 45.

While Florida was on the high-end of the list, the state with the least cyclist deaths was Vermont. Maine had the greatest decrease in cyclist deaths.

The use of bicycles has doubled in the past 35 years with many more people choosing to cycle to work and around town. This increase in cyclists is a likely contributor to the increase in deaths, along with road design and traffic patterns that may not provide the safest riding conditions.

Increasing injury and death rates among cyclists is a problem Florida’s Department of Transportation has been aware of for some time. In 2013, the department launched their Complete Streets program aimed at making roads more walkable and rideable.

Part of Complete Streets program focuses on working with individual communities to develop workshops and activities that promote bicycle safety. Strategies that can reduce the risk of injury include wearing a helmet, improved visibility through bike lights and reflective clothing, and roads designed with cyclists in mind.

Gordon & Partners ‘s bicycle safety tipscould help prevent injuries next time youre out on a ride.

If you are ever injured in a bicycle crash, contact our team of personal injury attorneys for a free legal consultation. We can help you determine your legal options.

Call 1 (855) 722-2552 or fill out a Free Case Evaluation form.