Bicycle accidents are an unfortunate regularity every year in the Tampa Bay area as well as in nearby cities like Orlando. Each year, the state of Florida ranks consistently among the top three most dangerous states for cyclists each year (rated by number of serious accidents and fatalities). By extension, Tampa Bay generally scores in the top 3 most dangerous metropolitan areas for cyclists within the state of Florida each year, typically trailing behind Orlando and/or Miami.
The majority of bicycle accidents in and around Tampa occur when motorists fail to yield to cyclists at intersections. At the current average rate, at least 12 people are injured in bicycle accidents every week across the state of Florida, 2 of which result in fatalities.
Tips to Stay Safe While Riding a Bike in Tampa
Bicycle safety advocates and enthusiasts strongly urge all cyclists to wear a properly fitted helmet at all times – regardless of age. In addition, the following tips can help to keep riders safe:
- Be Visible to Drivers: Wear bright, vibrant clothes when riding. Consider wearing a reflective safety belt or vest for maximum visibility. If riding during twilight hours or after dark, install flashing bicycle lights in addition to the bike’s reflectors. Being seen by drivers is a cyclist’s best defense against being struck by a car.
- Look behind You: Practice looking over your shoulder until you become comfortable doing so without swerving or losing your balance. If you regularly ride in traffic, consider installing a side view mirror to help see cars behind you. You should also develop your peripheral vision and learn to scan a wide range of area at all times.
- Don’t Ride While Listening to Headphones: Riders must remain alert and conscious of the sounds around them at all times.
- Make Eye Contact: Assume that motorists don’t see you. Attempt to make eye contact with any driver who could cross into your path – such as drivers slowing/stopped at an intersection or drivers turning in from the main flow of traffic.
Bicycle Accident Statistics
Last year in February, the Center for Urban Transportation Research at the University of South Florida prepared the Pedestrian and Bicycle Strategic Safety Plan for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). Here are a few facts and figures taken based on their findings:
- 48,000 bicyclists were injured in traffic accidents in 2011 (down from 52,000 in 2010)
- 85% of head injuries in bicycle accidents can be prevented by wearing a helmet
- About 75% of all bicyclists who die in accidents each year die from traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- At least 33% of bicycle accidents in Florida involve a car overtaking (passing) a cyclist headed in the same direction
- Between 2007 and 2011, there were 532 fatal bicycle accidents crashes on Florida roads
- Bicyclist deaths represent roughly 2% of the nation’s total annual traffic fatalities
- During the same time period, 21,935 cyclists were injured in crashes
- Parking lots also pose a threat to bicycles – parking lot bicycle crashes are grossly underreported in data sets due to challenges presented by state and local laws governing the reporting of parking lot traffic crashes in police reports
- The top 10 counties in Florida with the highest number of bicycle fatalities and injuries during this time period were as follows: Broward, Miami-Dade, Pinellas, Hillsborough, Orange, Duval, Palm Beach, Pasco, Lee, and Alachua
References:
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