Florida Ranked the Most Dangerous State for Cyclists, Study Shows
If you’re a cyclist living in Florida—or thinking about riding there—you might want to take extra precautions. A new study by Omega Law Group has revealed that Florida is officially the most dangerous state in the U.S. for cyclists. Using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the study looked at fatal accidents involving cyclists from 2019 to 2023. The numbers are alarming: Florida saw an average of 8.44 fatal cycling accidents per one million residents each year.
In total, there were 986 cyclist deaths reported over the five-year period—averaging 197 fatalities per year. Coming in just behind Florida are Louisiana and Arizona, ranking as the second and third most dangerous states for cyclists.
On a more positive note, South Dakota was found to be the safest state for cyclists, with only 0.87 fatal accidents per one million residents annually.
What the Data Tells Us
A spokesperson from Omega Law Group shared some additional insights from the study: “According to our analysis, there were 5,074 fatal motor vehicle accidents involving a cyclist between 2019 and 2023 across the U.S., which is more than a thousand deaths per year on average.”
Another interesting (and sobering) finding: weekends are the most dangerous time to ride. Saturday and Sunday together accounted for 31% of all cycling fatalities during the five-year period.
Why This Matters
As cycling grows in popularity—for both commuting and exercise—so does the importance of safety. These findings underscore the need for better infrastructure, education, and policies that protect cyclists.
Whether you’re a weekend rider or a daily commuter, knowing where the risks are can help you stay safe on the road. And for states like Florida, the message is clear: there’s urgent work to be done to protect cyclists.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Pedal cyclists involved in fatal crashes – 2019-2023
