Legally Reviewed by Frank Marsalisi on August 12, 2026
The Sunshine State is home to some of the most gorgeous weather, scenic bike trails, and great destinations, which is why it is the perfect place for bicyclists to ride. It is not surprising that the number of cyclists in Florida is skyrocketing each year; however, this may be a cause of increasing bicycle accident fatalities in Florida, making the state the highest for bicycle accident deaths in the USA.
Since 1975, deaths across Florida bicyclists ages 20 and older have tripled, and Florida’s ranking has not improved in the years since. Analyses of national crash data have repeatedly found that Florida records more bicyclist deaths than any other state, and Florida’s own 2024 Traffic Crash Facts Annual Report shows bicycle crashes and fatalities remain a persistent problem statewide, not just in Pinellas County. If you or someone you love is injured or dies in a bicycle accident, contact Frank P. Marsalisi at Marsalisi Law for outstanding legal services. At Marsalisi Law, Frank is devoted to ensuring your rights are protected, and your pain and suffering is fairly addressed.
Florida’s Cyclist Laws
According to Florida Statute 316.2065, bicyclists must follow the same traffic laws as drivers of other vehicles on the road because bicycles are vehicles and bicycle operators are the drivers. Some of these rules include:
- Stopping at stop signs
- Following traffic lights
- Turning on lights at night
- Yielding the right-of-way
Other rules specific to bicyclists include:
- Use the bike lane if going a slower speed than normal traffic
- If no lane is available, ride as far right as possible
- Use hand signals to let others know your next move
- Following age requirements for helmet use
Obeying all bicycle laws can help reduce your chances of being in a bicycle accident. Unfortunately, you cannot control how other people operate their vehicles. Therefore, the most important thing you can do is pay attention to all your surroundings, ride defensively, and always equip yourself with the necessary protective gear.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in Florida
Although there has been a push for stronger bicycle laws and detailed safety plans, accidents continue to rise. Some of the most common causes of bicycle accidents between both adults and children in Florida include:
- Driver failed to see cyclists
- Cyclists failed to follow traffic signs
- Vehicle occupants opening car door into an oncoming cyclist
- Driver distraction with electronics
- Speeding
- Driving under the influence
- Both driver and cyclists fail to yield
All these scenarios may lead to a severe collision causing bicyclists to be thrown off their bikes onto hard surfaces, or if they attempt to get out of the way at the last second, they could crash into a fixed object and fall off their bike. The injuries that may occur after a bicycle crash include:
- Face, eye, and dental injuries
- Broken bones and dislocations
- Punctured lungs
- Head injuries
- Neck and back injuries
- Abdominal injuries
Excessive trauma to any of these areas of the body can cause debilitating problems that can either severely impair your ability to function properly, or potentially, result in death. If you are the victim of a bicycle accident, make sure you seek medical attention immediately and then contact an attorney to discuss your case.
Most Dangerous Counties for Cyclists in Florida
Bicycle accidents in Florida are relatively common due to limited road design accommodation for bicycles, especially in cities like St. Petersburg. In Pinellas County, hundreds of bike crashes and multiple cyclist fatalities are reported every year, and the county has long ranked among the most dangerous places to ride in the entire Tampa Bay metro area. Other counties near Pinellas County with high accident rates and fatalities include:
- Hillsborough County
- Pasco County
- Polk County
- Sarasota County
- Manatee County
This does not include areas around South Florida and Central Florida, which are also known to be some of the most dangerous places to ride a bike. With unsafe biking conditions and reckless tourists and residential drivers, you can never be too sure that you will be safe while bicycling. If you are riding an e-bike in these same counties, the added speed only raises the stakes.
Why Florida Keeps Leading the Nation in Bicycle Deaths
Florida’s flat terrain and year-round riding weather bring more cyclists onto the road than colder states see for most of the year, but road design in many older Florida cities has not kept pace. Wide, high-speed arterial roads with limited or no protected bike lanes, combined with heavy tourist traffic unfamiliar with local roads, create conditions where a single moment of driver inattention can turn deadly for a cyclist with no protection.
Contact a Trusted Bicycle Accident Lawyer to Help You Recover
Not only are Florida laws and regulations confusing, but determining liability is complicated in bicycle accidents. If you were in a bicycle accident or if your loved one died in one, do not be deceived by an insurance company’s lowball offer and miss out on the opportunity to recover fair compensation for the pain you or your family has endured. Contact a trusted bicycle accident lawyer at Marsalisi Law. We will educate you on the full scope of your legal rights.
Frank P. Marsalisi at Marsalisi Law can help protect you from the pitfalls of the legal system by employing all his resources, skills, and knowledge to pursue fair compensation for your injuries. With many years of experience litigating bicycle accident injury cases, Frank can support you through these challenging times. When you are ready to discover what you may be eligible to recover, schedule a free consultation by completing a contact form.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Bicycle Accidents
Why does Florida have so many bicycle accident deaths?
Florida’s year-round riding weather brings more cyclists onto the road than most states see, while many roads, especially in older cities, still lack protected bike lanes. Heavy seasonal tourist traffic and drivers unfamiliar with local roads add to the risk.
Who is at fault when a car hits a cyclist in Florida?
Fault depends on the specific facts, but drivers who fail to yield, pass too closely, or open a car door into a cyclist’s path are commonly found at least partially responsible. Florida also applies comparative negligence, so a cyclist’s own actions can affect the outcome.
Do cyclists have to follow the same laws as drivers in Florida?
Yes. Under Florida Statute 316.2065, bicycles are legally treated as vehicles, so cyclists must stop at stop signs, obey traffic signals, yield the right of way, and follow the other traffic laws that apply to drivers.
What compensation can I recover after a bicycle accident?
Depending on the facts of your case, you may be able to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage to your bicycle. An attorney can review your specific situation to explain what may apply.
How long do I have to file a bicycle accident claim in Florida?
Florida generally allows two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, though certain cases have different deadlines. Speaking with an attorney early helps protect evidence and preserve your options.
About the Attorney
Founder, Marsalisi Law
Frank P. Marsalisi is a bilingual trial lawyer and St. Petersburg native who founded Marsalisi Law to represent people hurt in bicycle, motorcycle, and car accidents throughout the Tampa Bay area. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from the University of Florida and a Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law, and has been a member of the Florida Bar since 2008.
