These Florida Counties Are Most Dangerous for Cyclists, Data Shows

June 19, 2025 | Staff Report | Great Reading

Bay County has the highest bicycle accident rate — 259.9 crashes per 100,000 population.
Monroe and Pinellas County rank second and third, with 126.3 and 64.5 bicycle accidents per 100,000 population.
Liberty County reports zero accidents per 100,000 population, making it the safest county for cyclists.

According to the study, Bay County is the most dangerous county with the highest bicycle accident rate in Florida.

The research by Florida-based personal injury lawyers Anidjar & Levine analyzed bicycle accident data for each Florida county between 2020 and 2024 from the Florida Highway and Safety Motor Vehicles (FHSMV) database. The number of crashes were compared to each county’s population to identify the most dangerous counties where cycling can be hazardous.

Bay County leads Florida with the highest bicycle crash rate — 259.9 crashes per 100,000 residents, which is 888% higher than the state average of 26.3 crashes per 100,000 residents. With a population of 27,858, the county averages 72.4 bicycle crashes between 2020 and 2024. The crash count peaked in 2024, resulting in 96 accidents, while 2020 reported 53 crashes — a five-year low.

Monroe County ranks second with an average of 126.3 bicycle accidents per 100,000 residents — 380% higher than the state average. Among its 80,614 inhabitants, the county experienced an average of 101.8 bicycle crashes over the study period. 2024 was the worst year with 161 crashes while 2020 reported the lowest crashes (70).

In the third spot, Pinellas County reported a bicycle crash rate of 64.5 per 100,000 population, surpassing the state average by roughly 145%. With 961,596 residents living here, the county documents a five-year average of 72.4 bicycle accidents. 2024 reported the highest number of crashes (805) and 2020 witnessed the lowest (518).

Looking at the study, a spokesperson from The Law Firm of Anidjar & Levine, P.A. commented,

“The study reveals that cycling is highly risky in counties like Bay County, Monroe County, and Pinellas County.

“The state’s favorable climate encourages cycling, but inadequate infrastructure — a lack of dedicated bike lanes and poor visibility at intersections — significantly increases the risks for cyclists. High traffic volumes, particularly in densely populated areas, increases these dangers.

“County authorities can reduce the accidents by implementing several strategies, like investing in infrastructure improvements. By creating dedicated bike lanes, enhancing lighting in high-traffic areas, and redesigning high-risk intersections to improve visibility, the counties can increase the safety standards for cyclists.”

Collier County stands fourth, with 46.6 crashes per 100,000 residents — 77% higher than the state average of 26.3. Among its modest population of 404,310, the county reported an average of 188.4 bicycle accidents from 2020 to 2024. While 2024 experienced the highest number of crashes (259), 2021 had 143 accidents — a five-year low.

Sarasota County appears fifth with a bicycle crash rate of 45.8 per 100,000 residents, which is 74% above the state average. The county, home to 469,013 people, has a five-year average of 214.6 bicycle accidents. Between 2020 and 2024, the county experienced the most accidents (259) in 2024 while 2020 reported the fewest (180).

Martin County (6th) reported 45.3 crashes per 100,000 population, followed by Broward County (7th) at 40.5 crashes per 100,000 population, Alachua County (8th) at 39.9 crashes per 100,000 population, Brevard County (9th) at 39.9 crashes per 100,000 population, and Volusia County (10th) at 37.2 crashes per 100,000 population.

Table of Extended Results:

Florida’s 10 Most Dangerous Counties for Cyclists
County Name	Average Bicycle Crashes (2020-2024)	Population	Bicycle Crashes per 100,000 population	Rank
Bay	72.4	27858	259.9	1
Monroe	101.8	80614	126.3	2
Pinellas	619.8	961596	64.5	3
Collier	188.4	404310	46.6	4
Sarasota	214.6	469013	45.8	5
Martin	74	163315	45.3	6
Broward	795.8	1962531	40.5	7
Alachua	114.2	285994	39.9	8
Brevard	257	643979	39.9	9
Volusia	219.8	590357	37.2	10

The study was conducted by Anidjar & Levine, a distinguished personal injury law firm dedicated to representing victims of serious injuries and wrongful death cases. With extensive experience in handling traffic accident claims, the firm is committed to protecting client’s rights and ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve.

ENDS

If using this story, please link and credit to www.anidjarlevine.com

Methodology

The research analyzed bicycle accident data for each county in Florida between 2020 and 2024 from the Florida Highway and Safety Motor Vehicles (FHSMV) database. The number of crashes were compared to the county population to identify the most dangerous counties where cycling can be hazardous.

Data Source