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Bicycle riding may be a fun way to spend time exploring; it may be a means of comradery with other members of a bike club; a means of exercise, or it may be the main means of transportation. Whatever the reason, bicyclists should consider safety as the most important part of bicycling.

Safety begins with the bike itself. It is important to make sure the tires have air; the bike is the correct height for the bicyclist and to make sure the chain is oiled so it runs smoothly.

Wearing helmets when riding protects bicyclists from head injuries should they be in accidents. In fact, Florida law requires bicycle riders or passengers to wear a helmet if they are under 16 years of age. The helmet must properly fit and securely fasten to the head with a strap. 

Bicycle Accident Fatalities

Bicycle accident fatalities are increasing across the United States and in Florida. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles shows alarming bike accident statistics. In 2018, there were 6,590 total bike crashes, rising to 7,040 in 2022.

Southwest Florida's deadly bicycle crashes rose in 2021. Lee County had 110 tragic fatalities, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

For Florida Highway Patrol Lieutenant Greg Bueno, arriving at the scene of a fatal crash in 2021 on Bonita Beach Road, it is never easy. “That’s someone’s son, someone’s daughter, someone’s family member.”

The Most Common Florida Bicycle Accidents

Negligent drivers cause many bicycle/vehicle accidents. When bicyclists are involved in accidents with other vehicles, they do not have the protection to keep from being injured or tragically killed.

Experts agree that some of the most common causes of vehicle-related bicycle accidents involve intersection collisions, unsafe vehicle passing, distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving.

Collisions

Most collisions happen at intersections.

Right-Turn Collisions – Right-turn collisions occur when vehicles make right turns in front of bicycles and do not ensure they have the room to do so to avoid an accident. 

Left-Turn Collisions - Left-turn collisions occur when drivers do not look before turning left and fail to yield the right-of-way to a bicyclist.

Rear-End Collisions – A rear-end collision is one of the deadliest types of bicycle accidents. Bicyclists may fly off their bicycles when they are negligently hit from behind. These accidents may cause catastrophic injuries or tragic deaths.

Negligent drivers typically do not yield the right of way to bicyclists as they are required to do. To avoid intersection accidents, both drivers and bicyclists should carefully check all around to ensure the area is clear; then only proceed through the intersection when it is safe to do so.

Unsafe Vehicle Passing

When passing a bicycle, drivers should leave at least three feet of space between themselves and a bicyclist. Should they fail to do so, accidents may happen.

Distracted Driving

Distractions are everywhere and are some of the most dangerous habits for negligent drivers. Daydreaming, cell phone use, conversing with passengers, and changing settings on the dashboard may all cause devastating accidents when bicyclists are around. Checking a text message even for 5 seconds can be considered equivalent to a vehicle traveling the length of a football field.

Speeding

When drivers speed, they do not have control of their vehicles. It is difficult for them to stop. Regardless of where a speeding vehicle strikes a bicycle, the results are catastrophic injuries or tragic deaths. Drivers need to avoid these accidents by abiding by posted speed limits and adjusting for road and/or weather conditions.

Impaired Driving 

Drivers are negligent if they drink and/or consume drugs and drive. Reaction time, judgment, and coordination are reduced. All of these are dangerous for bicyclists. Drivers should never drive when impaired and always seek a designated driver before consuming alcohol and/or drugs to avoid Florida bicycle accidents.

Contact Fort Myers Bicycle Accident Attorney When Injured in an Accident

Fort Myers Bicycle Accident Attorney Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. represents people involved in numerous types of personal injury and wrongful death accidents throughout the state of Florida. All of Attorney Spivey’s clients have unique personal injury cases. He and his legal team provide personal contact and communication along with aggressive representation.

"Should you or a loved one be injured in a bicycle accident because of another’s negligence, please contact us 24/7 at 239.337.7483, toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or online at SpiveyLaw.com. There are no costs or attorney fees until we receive a monetary recovery for you,” said Attorney Spivey.