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17.4 percent of all bicyclist deaths in America occur in Florida, which only makes up about 6 percent of the total population. Basically, Florida is the Red Asphalt State.
According to USA Today, Florida is the deadliest state for both pedestrians and bicyclists. In 2008, there were 490 pedestrian or bicyclist deaths. In sheer numbers that’s more than any other state in the union except for California, and the most overall when weighed for population.
Sadly, it’s nothing new as the state has been in the top three for pedestrian and bicyclist deaths since 2001.
A combination of three factors may be to blame: a road system rapidly built to keep up with an exploding population, sunny weather conducive to bicycling, and tourism. Drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians from out of state may not be familiar with local roadways and the inherent dangers.
[USA Today: Fla. deadliest state for walkers, cyclists]
