Florida is one of the most dangerous states for bicycle accidents, with its fatality rate ranked highest in the nation by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2015. Cities across the country have taken steps in recent years to improve bike rider safety. The following are some of the most notable:
- Bike-friendly public transit: In Portland, Oregon, commuters on the city’s buses, trains and streetcars have easy access to bike racks, making it easier for riders to travel by both bicycle and public transit. This, in addition to its clearly marked bike lanes, make Portland one of the most bike-friendly cities in the United States.
- Bicycle-only urban paths: Minneapolis has more than 92 miles of off-street bikeways for riders, allowing them to avoid vehicle traffic at various points throughout the city. And like an increasing number of large cities, Minneapolis features a bike-share program available from spring to late fall.
- Investing in bicycle infrastructure: Washington, D.C. spends more per capita on pedestrian and bike paths than any other major city. Many of its bike lanes are protected from motor vehicle traffic, and riders can get to nearly anywhere in the city in a quick and convenient way.
- Protected intersections: Salt Lake City built one of the first fully protected bicycle intersections in the country. The city used Dutch engineering to make its roads much safer for riders.
These are just a few examples of initiatives Florida’s cities could implement to improve bicycle safety. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident, speak with a dedicated Bradenton attorney at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez, Murphy & Walsh.