New Study Reveals Top 10 Most Dangerous States for Cyclists, And The Safest
Key Findings:
- New research reveals Louisiana as the most dangerous state for cyclists, with only 73 cycle lanes and 45 cycling fatalities in 2022
- Massachusetts ranks as the safest state for cyclists, with just 0.13 deaths per 100,000 residents and nearly 4,000 dedicated cycling lanes
- Florida records the highest number of cycling fatalities with 222 deaths in 2022, with only 835 cycling lanes
With more Americans turning to cycling for commuting and recreation, cyclist safety today is more important than ever. Whether riding through busy city streets or along quiet rural roads, the risks vary widely depending on the location.
The recent shift toward healthier and more sustainable ways of getting around has made cycling even more popular, shining a light on the need for proper infrastructure and safety measures. Unfortunately, not all states are equally equipped to keep their cycling communities safe.
In light of these disparities, Aventon Bikes has analyzed cycling safety data across all US states to identify the most dangerous states for cyclists. The study examined cycling fatalities from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), available cycling lanes, and population data to calculate a comprehensive Cycle Safety Score for each state, with higher scores indicating safer cycling conditions.
Most Dangerous States for Cyclists
Louisiana emerged as the most dangerous state for cyclists, scoring just 1.27 out of 100 on the Cycle Safety Score index. The state recorded 45 cycling fatalities in 2022 with only 73 dedicated cycling lanes – the lowest infrastructure provision among all states studied.
Following closely behind, Florida ranks as the second most dangerous state with a safety score of 5.58. Despite having the largest number of cycling fatalities (222) in 2022, Florida maintains only 835 cycling lanes across the state, highlighting a significant infrastructure gap.
Arizona follows as the third most dangerous state, with a safety score of just 23.29. Arizona recorded 50 cycling fatalities in 2022 and has only 624 cycling lanes.
Table 1. Ten most dangerous states for cyclists
Safest States for Cyclists
On the safer end of the spectrum, Massachusetts leads as the safest state with a safety score of 79.11, recording just 9 fatalities with its extensive network of 3,871 cycling lanes.
California follows in second place, scoring 72.74, with 177 fatalities across its impressive 5,746 cycling lanes – the largest network in the country.
Pennsylvania ranks third safest with a score of 72.01, recording 15 fatalities across its 2,744 cycling lanes.
Table 2. Ten safest states for cyclists
John Vinton, a representative for Aventon Bikes, shares some practical advice for cyclists: “Our data really highlights how much safety can vary by state, but no matter where you are, there are steps you can take to protect yourself. Choosing the right route, staying aware, and using proper gear can make all the difference.
“We always suggest riders plan their routes ahead of time. If you can, stick to dedicated bike lanes, as these areas tend to be much safer. When bike lanes aren’t an option, go for roads with lower speed limits and good visibility. Safety gear is also essential; helmets, reflective clothing, and proper lights can greatly improve visibility, especially in low-light conditions. Even in states with lots of cycling infrastructure, a bit of planning and the right gear go a long way toward a safer ride.”
Methodology
The study analyzed cycling safety across US states using:
A Cycle Safety Score was calculated using a weighted formula combining normalized cycling fatality rates (60%) and cycling lane numbers (40%), where higher scores indicate safer cycling conditions.
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