bicycle accidents

SWFL Among Nation’s Deadliest Areas for Cyclists

February 22, 2024 | Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner

Both Lee and Collier counties are among the deadliest counties in the nation for bicyclists, according to new data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In fact, 14 of the deadliest counties in America for bicycle riders were located in Florida.

Lee County’s 29 cycling deaths gave it a death rate per 100,000 of nearly 4. Bad enough to rank it 13th deadliest in the nation. Our bicycle accident lawyers have long flagged the Sunshine State as the nation’s most dangerous for both cyclists and walkers, a fact again supported by the latest statistics. Pasco, Sarasota and Manatee counties were the three deadliest in the nation. Other Florida counties on the list include Pinellas (5), Volusia (7), Marion (9), Hillsborough (10), Duval (12), Brevard (14), Osceola (16), Broward (17), Polk (18), and Collier (20).

Collier’s 12 cycling deaths gave it 3.19 deaths per 100,000.

Death of Cyclist Tragic Reminder of Risks in SWFL

September 20, 2023 | Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner

The death of a 73-year-old bicyclist in a North Fort Myers traffic collision is a tragic reminder of the risks faced by vulnerable road users every day in Southwest Florida.

NBC-2 reports the cyclist was struck and killed by a pickup truck at Bayshore Road and Ixora Drive. The man was riding on the shoulder of SR 78, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Authorities report the cyclist partially entered the path of the truck before being struck.

Our Cape Coral bicycle accident lawyers know cyclists face high risks throughout Southwest Florida. However, we also know that vulnerable road users, including cyclists, pedestrians and motorcycle riders, are also too often blamed for causing or contributing to a traffic collision. It’s important all motorists understand that bicycle riders are entitled to use the roadway and enjoy all of the same rights as the operator of a motor vehicle. Additionally, Florida’s law of contributory negligence still allow a rider or other accident victim to pursue damages against an at fault party even if the rider is found partially at fault for causing a collision.

Ride of Silence Puts Focus on Vulnerable Road Users in SWFL

June 2, 2023 | Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner

This month’s Annual Ride of Silence put the focus on keeping cyclists and other vulnerable road users safe on the streets of Southwest Florida.

The North Fort Myers Neighbor reports the 21st annual event was hosted by the Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club. The Silent Ride on May 17 departed from Bell Tower Shops. Our Fort Myers injury lawyers frequently report the increased risk to bicyclists and pedestrians throughout SWFL. In the first three months of this year, 81 bicycle accidents in Lee County were reported, resulting in two deaths. Last year, 319 crashes resulted in nine fatalities.

“The reality is motor vehicle drivers, cyclists and pedestrians all have responsibility for safe mobility,” Norm Nesbitt of Caloosa Riders Bicycle Club, told the publication.

Intersection Safety in Focus as Area Expects Record Visitors

November 20, 2021 | Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner

Neighbors are calling for change at a North Fort Myers intersection after separate collisions killed a child and injured a teenager.

NBC-2 reports a 5-year-old girl was killed when she rode her scooter into the road near Castleview Drive at Bayshore Road, where she was struck and killed by an SUV driven by a 91-year-old, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Days later, a 16-year-old girl was seriously injured after she was hit by a pickup truck. Neighbors in the area complained of speeders and unsafe drivers.

The two tragedies have the patrol reminding motorists of a message often delivered here on our blog: Always be extra cautious around bicyclists and pedestrians, who continue to be disproportionately victimized in Southwest Florida traffic collisions.

“Anytime a pedestrian is near a roadway or bicyclist, you have to be 100% cautious behind the wheel, focus on your actions because we want to do everything in our power to prevent those tragedies from occurring. This season, we noticed the difference already, traffic in our roadways, the volume of cars, and unfortunately the tragedy that is occurring in our roadways. We want to do everything in our power to prevent these tragedies from occurring,” said Lt. Greg Bueno with Florida Highway Patrol.

Bicycle Safety a Critical Focus this Summer

June 22, 2021 | Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner

The COVID pandemic has brought many new cyclists to the roads of Southwest Florida. The cycling boom is so pronounced that many local bike shops report wait lists for adult bicycles under $1,000.

While cycling can be a great way for adults to exercise while enjoying the outdoors in properly socially distanced fashion, it is also an uncommonly deadly activity, particularly for older adults coming to the activity for the first time in many years.

Our Fort Myers bicycle accident attorney know that Florida was already the deadliest state in the nation for bicyclists, even before the recent boom in interest.

Bicycle Injuries a New Year Risk

December 28, 2020 | Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner

So you got a bicycle. Now what?

Our bicycle injury lawyers in Fort Myers and Cape Coral encourage you to put safety at the forefront of everything you do. And proper safety precautions begin long before you hit the road.

Florida is the most dangerous place in the nation to ride a bicycle. In 2018, there were 6,568 bicycle crashes in Florida, resulting in 148 deaths and 6,175 injuries, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. And area bike stores have reported record sales throughout the coronavirus pandemic as hundred of new riders take to the streets and trails of Southwest Florida.

Pandemic Demand for Bicycles Reaches New Highs

June 24, 2020 | Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner

In Mid-March, a week into the pandemic, our Fort Myers injury attorneys reported in Pandemic has More People Cycling in Southwest Florida that a record interest in cycling had already descended upon local bike shops.

Since then, interest in cycling and demand for bicycles have run right off the charts.

The New York Times reports countries as diverse as Uganda are opening closed streets to bicyclists and pedestrians, and similar moves are afoot in New York City as well as several other major urban areas. Continue reading ›

Vulnerable Road Users Remain at High Risk, Despite Covid

June 7, 2020 | Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner

New statistics and growing anecdotal evidence suggest our most vulnerable road users may not be benefiting from the reprieve we have seen in serious automobile accidents during the three months Southwest Florida has hunkered down amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Our experienced injury lawyers in Cape Coral and Fort Myers highlighted the likely risk as COVID restrictions began in mid-March. Pedestrian Injuries a Spring Risk in Southwest Florida and Pandemic Scare has More People Cycling in Southwest Florida both highlighted the fact that our most vulnerable road users have always faced high risks, but the coronavirus pandemic may actually be increasing the dangers.

Certainly, that is holding true when it comes to cyclists. Media outlets nationwide are reporting a huge increase in demand for bicycles, with many locations reporting long wait lists for cycles under $2,000. The News-Press recently reported bicycle sales in Lee and Collier county are up more than 100 percent compared to the same period last year.

Pandemic Scare has More People Cycling in Southwest Florida

March 23, 2020 | Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner

The COVID-19 pandemic has many Southwest Floridians in isolation. An increasing number are venturing out for long walks or bicycle rides. While bicycling can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors in a solitary pursuit, taking care to avoid injuries during these challenging times should be a priority.

May is traditionally Bicycle Safety month, and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) sponsors campaigns to remind drivers and bicyclists to do their part to help reduce deaths and injuries on our roads. However, bicycle shops in Southwest Florida are already experiencing unprecedented demand for sales and service as home-bound adults look for options for outdoor activity.

Our experienced injury lawyers in Fort Myers and Cape Coral know that novice adult cyclists are among the most likely to be injured as they embark on a new hobby and, in many cases, relearn a skill from childhood.

The San Francisco Chronicle is among the media outlets reporting the surge in cycling during the pandemic. Currently, 40 million California residents are under a shelter-in-place order and walking and cycling are among the few remaining outdoor options. In major metropolitan areas, including New York City, which has become the epicenter of the pandemic in the United States, authorities have actually promoted cycling as the safest transportation option.

Florida Nation’s Deadliest State for Bicycle Accidents

September 8, 2019 | Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner

Florida has once again ranked as the deadliest state in the nation for bicycle riders.

And it’s getting deadlier. A total of 125 bicyclists were killed on Florida roads in 2017, compared to 148 deaths last year. That’s a year-over-year increase of about 20 percent, which is particularly alarming because Florida was already the nation’s deadliest state for cyclists.

Our bicycle injury lawyers in Fort Myers and Cape Coral want to remind motorists that Florida law requires drivers provide riders with at least three feet of clearance when passing. Florida Statute 316.083 governs overtaking and passing a vehicle. F.S. 316.156 requires drivers pass on the left at a safe distance (of at least 3 feet) and not drive back to the right until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle.