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Florida Ranks Among Most Dangerous States for Pedestrians
Florida’s well-documented reputation as one of the most dangerous states in the nation for pedestrians and cyclists is confirmed in a a study published this week by Smart Growth America and the National Complete Streets Coalition. The document, “Dangerous by…
Key points
- Florida ranks as the fifth most dangerous state for pedestrians in the U.S.
- Nine Florida metro areas are among the 27 deadliest for pedestrians.
- Orlando has seen significant improvements in pedestrian safety.
NewsWK — A recent study from Smart Growth America and the National Complete Streets Coalition highlights Florida’s alarming status as one of the most perilous states for pedestrians. The report, titled “Dangerous by Design,” ranks Florida as the fifth most hazardous state nationwide, with nine of the 27 most dangerous metropolitan areas located within its borders.
Among these, the Tampa Bay area stands out as the most dangerous in the state, placing eighth overall in the nation. Other Florida regions that made the list include:
- 11th: Palm Bay/Melbourne/Titusville
- 14th: Deltona/Daytona Beach/Ormond Beach
- 15th: North Port/Bradenton/Sarasota
- 16th: Jacksonville
- 17th: Miami/Fort Lauderdale/Palm Beach County
- 21st: Lakeland-Winter Haven
- 25th: Orlando/Kissimmee/Sanford
- 27th: Cape Coral/Fort Myers
Despite the troubling statistics, there is some positive news. Beth Osborne, president and CEO of Smart Growth America, noted that Orlando has made significant strides in improving pedestrian safety, stating, “They have shown one of the steepest declines in fatalities for pedestrians and they used to top our list repeatedly.” This improvement is attributed to effective leadership and strategic planning in urban design.
From 2020 to 2024, Florida recorded 3,726 pedestrian fatalities, ranking third in the nation behind California and Texas. The state also has the second-highest pedestrian fatality rate per 100,000 residents at 3.32. Furthermore, the Florida Bicycle Association has flagged the state as the most dangerous for cyclists, with a reported 207 bicycle fatalities in 2024 alone.
In response to the ongoing safety concerns, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has initiated various plans, including the Pedestrian and Bicycle Strategic Safety Plan (PBSSP). This plan aims to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries on public roads through data-driven approaches and strategic resource allocation.
As discussions continue about enhancing pedestrian safety, recent legislative efforts in Congress, such as the BUILD America 250 Act, are being monitored for their potential impact on improving conditions for pedestrians across the state.
Based on reporting originally published by Florida Phoenix. Read the original story.
