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The League of American Bicyclists (LAB) ranks states for being bicycle friendly. Florida ranked number 15 in the 2017 rankings. A report card for each state summarizes the data which was analyzed and gives comparisons and feedback in order to help states, citizens, and advocates understand where their state can improve.

Although Florida has ranked much lower in past years, LAB says Florida has made significant progress. The Florida Department of Transportation has updated and upgraded its efforts to reduce bicycle accidents. Even with these efforts, LAB says, “Florida remains one of the more dangerous states for bicyclists, with a per capita bicyclist fatality rate more than one standard deviation above any other state. However, this fatality rate does not account for recreational bicycling in the state, and the per bicycle commuter rate points to potential improvement.”

A significant innovative tool for addressing Florida’s bicycle safety issues is the TransPed Initiative. TansPed is a data and geographic-driven tool to provide a centralized source for both bicycle and pedestrian data. Planners, engineers and others can use this tool to gain access to data analysis and visualization that can support efforts to improve biking and walking.

According to LAB, an area where Florida still needs to make progress is the area of legislation. Florida needs stronger laws relating to distracted driving.

Even though Florida has made strides toward more bicyclist safety, The Wall Street Journal reported in September 2018 that Pinellas County, Florida, has the highest rate of bicyclists’ deaths than any metro region in the United States. The newspaper reported on a recent accident as an example:

An 18-year-old was using a marked crosswalk with flashing yellow lights when he rode his bike across a busy, six-lane Park Boulevard in Pinellas Park, Florida in June. He never made it to the median. A white Chevy Malibu, which was traveling about 45 mph, slammed into him and his bike, police said.

Bicycling says, “If we’re going to change the culture so that cycling is not only less risky but also perceived as safe, here’s what needs to happen:

1. Stop Distracted Driving
2. Push for Improved Driver’s Ed
3. Fight for Laws that Protect Cyclists
4. Demand Better Infrastructure
5. Ride Responsibly
6. Report Hostile Drivers
7. Be Visible
8. Above All, Keep Riding

“Riding bicycles is a passion for many cyclists, and they have the right to share the roads with other vehicles safely. If you or a family member is injured in a bicycle accident, please contact our experienced legal team at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.,” said Fort Myers Bike Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey.

Fort Myers Bike Accident Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.