2011 Statistics Show Florida Way Out in the Lead in Bicycle Fatalities

An in depth review of the available information by Google search doesn’t reveal any specific reasons, but Florida has outranked the rest of the US in Bicycle Fatalities for two years in a row.  While the 2010 numbers were in line with other warm Winter states, the 2011 numbers were much higher than any other state.

In 2011, the last year for which stats are available, 125 Bicycle riders lost their life.  This was a startling 6.56 deaths per million population rate.  The next closest state, and several states were in this statistical range, was Louisiana with 3.93 deaths per million, and the US average was only 2.2.

This is also in contrast to a generally decreasing number of bicycle deaths over the past decade as communities have started to work on solutions to bicycle related accidents. 

U.S. Department of Transportation statistics show that on average more than 800 bicyclists die and 70,000 are injured in motor vehicle-related crashes.  The good news is that the trend is down with only 618 deaths and 52,000 injuries in 2010.  There does not seem to be good data regarding how many of these accidents involve a motor vehicle.  

More than one-third of all bicycle fatalities involve riders 5 to 20 years old, and 41 percent of nonfatal injuries occur to children under the age of 15.

Why are deaths and injuries trending down.  No one seems to truly know.  However we do know that thousands of miles of bike paths and bike lanes have been added to the nation’s roads and highways.  Today it is very unlikely that young riders will be out without a helmet.  But high on the list has to be the continuing effort by civic minded organizations and agencies who provide education and promotion of bicycle safety.

The trend could continue down, but only if we keep doing the things that seem to be working.  It is common in many places to see a surge in interest after a death or major injury in the community. The barn door being locked after the horse gets loose.  While it sure makes it easier to get the ball rolling in such circumstances, it is obviously not born out of wisdom.  The time to act is now, before the next child is harmed.

The massive potential side benefit of continuing to see the bicycle/auto accidents decline will be a greater willingness on the part of moms to let their kids have the freedom that they probably had as kids to ride to school or more than a few blocks to a friends house.  The potential advantages include:

• Kids who are more at home with adventure
• Fewer overweight or obese kids
• A new outlet for kids other than video games and TV
• Fewer car trips to take Jr. to school or lessons or baseball practice
• Creating in children a lifelong appreciation for cycling
• More families on bikes as a pastime
• Fitness through cycling as a family passion

Statistics from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reveal that most bicycle deaths occur between June through September, and between the hours of 6-9 p.m.

• The risk of sustaining an injury in non-daylight conditions is four times greater than during daytime.
•  Nearly half of bicycle-motor vehicle crashes occurred at night or during low-light conditions when motorists had trouble seeing cyclists.                                                                          

If you or a loved one has been injured in a bicycle accident, call Harris Gilbert at 786-371-4431 or Andrew Smallman at 954-661-7371.   These are the cell phone numbers of the senior attorneys at the Law Offices of Gilbert and Smallman, LLC.  You can call 24/7 to discuss your case.  Do not discuss your case with a claims agent for the insurance company.  They are not your friend and will attempt to trick you into damaging your case and possible compensation. 


Harris Gilbert   786-371-4431
Andrew Smallman   954-661-7371