According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Florida tops the list when it comes to the deadliest states for bicyclists. The statistics were staggering: per-capita, Florida’s cyclist death rate was almost 60% higher than the next state on the list. Between 2007-2016, Florida had 6.2 deaths per 100,000 people. That is compared to Louisiana’s 3.9 deaths per 100,000. In 2017, cyclist deaths actually dropped in Florida to 116, the lowest number since 2010. Many of the problems causing this high rate are chalked up to a large elderly population, tourists who are unfamiliar with roads, and a densely packed urban population.
The Herald Tribune reports on a 9-year-old who was killed while bicycling to school. Last Monday, a third-grade student at Brentwood Elementary School was struck and killed. The incident happened at about 7:48 a.m. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, 9-year-old Roman Miller was riding behind his sister as they crossed Webber Street and Nodosa Drive.
25-year-old Charity Lamb was driving a Chevrolet Silverado was stopped at the stop sign at Nodosa Drive. According to her statement, she saw Miller’s sister go by but failed to see Miller. As Roman was crossing, Lamb began to pass the stop sign, striking Miller and dragging him for about 15 feet. Roman was rushed to the hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
Lamb has a history of driving citations. Since 2011, she has been issued citations for infractions such as careless driving, running a stop sign and a red light, speeding, and driving on a suspended license.
Enjoy bicycling in Florida? Take the Cycling Savvy Course Most bicyclists can benefit from continuing education and training that help them become more competent bicyclists. In such cases, however, bicyclists don’t need a beginner training class. What they need is a program that empowers them to become more confident riders and avoid accident risks. The Cycling Savvy course was developed for the Florida Bicycle...
Latest Statistics Show Helmets Save Lives in Bike Crashes Florida requires that those 16-years-old and younger wear a bicycle helmet for protection; however, statistics point to good reason to wear a helmet no matter what your age. Anyone who has witnessed the damage done to a bicyclist when hit by a negligent driver can tell you that protecting your head with a helmet is...
Bike Accidents on the Rise in Palm Beach and Broward Counties Statistics show an alarming surge in bike accidents and injuries in South Florida. The Sun-Sentinel (Dec. 7, 2013) – using data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and other safety experts – has reported on the increase of cycling crashes in Broward and Palm Beach Counties from 2009 to 2012. The...