For some, cycling is a passion. For others, it’s an occasional workout decision, and for many, its a mode of transportation and one that allows them to avoid the hassles of traffic.
While the benefits of bicycling are wide-ranging, like improving your physical fitness and reducing carbon emissions, safety for riders in many United States cities is a problem that needs fixing.
Bicycle crashes are ever-present across the country in smaller and extra-large metropolitan areas. The 20th through 11th most dangerous cities for bicyclists are:
- Louisville, Kentucky
- Houston, Texas
- Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Jacksonville, Florida
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Chicago, Illinois
- Portland, Oregon
- Sacramento, California
- Las Vegas, Nevada
- Charlotte, North Carolina.
When factoring in the entire country, The United States Department of Transportation reported a 10% increase in cyclist fatalities in 2018.
The top 10 most dangerous cities for bicyclists are represented below.
10. Fresno, California
- Population: 527,438
- Traffic-related deaths: 61
- Percentage of deaths that were cyclists: 4.9%
9. Los Angeles, California
- Population: 3,999,759
- Traffic-related deaths: 257
- Percentage of deaths that were cyclists: 5.40%
8. Phoenix, Arizona
- Population: 1,626,078
- Traffic-related deaths: 249
- Percentage of deaths that were cyclists: 5.60%
7. Austin, Texas
- Population: 950,715
- Traffic-related deaths: 80
- Percentage of deaths that were cyclists: 6.30%
6. Wahington, D.C.
- Population: 693,972
- Traffic-related deaths: 31
- Percentage of deaths that were cyclists: 6.50%
5. Boston, Massachusetts
- Population: 685,094
- Traffic-related deaths: 27
- Percentage of deaths that were cyclists: 7.70%
4. San Francisco, California
- Population: 884,363
- Traffic-related deaths: 25
- Percentage of deaths that were cyclists: 8%
3. San Jose, California
- Population: 1,035,317
- Traffic-related deaths: 45
- Percentage of deaths that were cyclists: 8.90%
2. Seattle, Washington
- Population: 724,745
- Traffic-related deaths: 30
- Percentage of deaths that were cyclists: 10%
1. New York, New York
- Population: 8,622,698
- Traffic-related deaths: 207
- Percentage of deaths that were cyclists: 10.60%
As you can see, one insight into the cities on this list is that many of them have vast populations, thus more traffic and hazards for cyclists. While there are dangers in all these cities as well as those unmentioned, some are also very biker friendly. Seattle, Washington, number two on this list, is often listed as one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the country.
Enjoy the paths and trails, the wind in your hair, the view from the bicycle seat and the energy received from a morning or evening ride. Still, to guard against the hazard of city riding, make safety and alertness a top priority. Cities across the country – even those that are considered bicycle-friendly – need to do more to protect riders of all ages.
