A new study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ranks Florida as the deadliest state for cyclist.
According to the study Florida beat heavily populated California and New York for the dubious title of having the greatest number of bicycle deaths in the United States.
The government study, using the latest available statistics, cites
119 bicyclists died on Florida highways in 2007, topping California's
109 traffic deaths and New York's 51 that year.
"Because it's a warm weather southern state, chances are good that
more people are riding year-round," said Andy Clarke, president of the
League of American Bicyclists, a Washington-based group that promotes
cycling and cycling safety.
According to Tampa Bay Online:
"The Sunshine State consistently ranks at or near the top in the
administration's annual study. Florida ranked second to California in
2006 after claiming the top spot the year before with 124 fatalities.
Cycling advocates say other factors add to the problem, including an
abundance of cars on the road and a general lack of bike lanes and
paths next to highways.
A new study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ranks Florida as the deadliest state for cyclist.
According to the study Florida beat heavily populated California and New York for the dubious title of having the greatest number of bicycle deaths in the United States.
The government study, using the latest available statistics, cites 119 bicyclists died on Florida highways in 2007, topping California's 109 traffic deaths and New York's 51 that year.
"Because it's a warm weather southern state, chances are good that more people are riding year-round," said Andy Clarke, president of the League of American Bicyclists, a Washington-based group that promotes cycling and cycling safety.
According to Tampa Bay Online:
"The Sunshine State consistently ranks at or near the top in the administration's annual study. Florida ranked second to California in 2006 after claiming the top spot the year before with 124 fatalities.
Cycling advocates say other factors add to the problem, including an abundance of cars on the road and a general lack of bike lanes and paths next to highways.