City Infrastructure and Bicycle Safety in St. Petersburg
Bicycling should be a safe and practical way to get around St. Petersburg and the greater Tampa Bay area. Unfortunately, city infrastructure has not always kept pace with the growing number of cyclists on Florida roads.
A Wall Street Journal report once identified the Tampa Bay area as one of the most dangerous places in the country for cyclists, with Pinellas County ranking among the most hazardous. Using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the report showed a significant rise in bicycle accident fatalities over several years, with Florida’s fatality rate far exceeding that of most other states.
While more recent data suggests the numbers may not be quite as extreme as initially reported, one troubling reality remains: bicycle crashes, injuries, and fatalities in and around St. Petersburg continue to increase each year. Hundreds of cyclists are injured annually in Pinellas County, and fatal crashes still occur far too often.
Understanding where these accidents happen, the injuries they cause, and what steps to take afterward can help protect your rights if you or a loved one is hurt in a bicycle accident.
High-Risk Bicycle Areas in and Around St. Petersburg
Bicycle safety has long been a concern for residents and local officials in Pinellas County. In response, the county developed a Bicycle-Pedestrian Master Plan, using years of crash data to identify patterns and problem areas.
According to county findings, many bicycle accidents involve teens and young adults, particularly those between the ages of 15 and 24. Officials have also identified several corridors and intersections where bicycle crashes occur most frequently. While high-risk locations can vary year to year, cyclists should use extra caution in areas such as:
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4th Street between 9th Avenue South and 46th Avenue
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North Park Boulevard between Park Street and Highway 19
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West Bay Drive between Indian Rocks Road and 58th Street
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Fort Harrison Avenue from Belleair Road to Drew Street
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Seminole Boulevard from Bay Pines Boulevard to Ulmerton Road
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Tampa Road from Orange Street to Race Track Road
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Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard, especially near Belcher Road, Old Coachman Road, Highway 19, and Park Place Boulevard
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Intersections along Highway 19/34th Street, including 62nd and 70th Avenues, and 5th and 22nd Avenues North
These roads often involve heavy traffic, high speeds, limited visibility, or poorly designed bike accommodations—factors that significantly increase the risk of a serious collision.
Common Injuries in Bicycle Accidents
Unlike drivers, cyclists have little physical protection when a crash occurs. As a result, bicycle accidents often lead to severe and life-altering injuries.
Florida Department of Health data shows hundreds of emergency room visits each year in Pinellas County due to bicycle crashes, with many victims requiring extended hospitalization. Common bicycle accident injuries include:
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Broken bones and fractures
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Traumatic brain injuries, especially when helmets are not worn
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Neck and soft-tissue injuries
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Back and spinal cord injuries, which may result in partial or permanent paralysis
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Amputations or loss of limb function
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Deep cuts, road rash, and lacerations
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Joint dislocations
These injuries can require surgery, rehabilitation, long-term medical care, and time away from work—placing an enormous financial and emotional burden on victims and their families.
Common Types of Bicycle Accidents
Many bicycle crashes follow similar patterns, particularly on busy or poorly designed roads. According to local traffic studies, the most common bicycle accidents involving motor vehicles include:
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Left-hook accidents – Occur when a driver turns left in front of an oncoming cyclist, often due to distraction or failure to see the rider.
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Right-hook accidents – Happen when a driver turns right and strikes a cyclist traveling straight in a bike lane or shoulder.
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Intersection collisions – Often caused by inattentive drivers who fail to notice cyclists crossing through an intersection.
These accidents are especially common on roads where bike lanes are unclear, poorly marked, or squeezed between moving traffic.
Liability for Accidents on Dangerous Bike Routes
Florida follows a no-fault insurance system, meaning Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage typically applies first after an accident—even when the injured person is riding a bicycle. However, when a driver’s negligence causes serious injuries, Florida law allows injured cyclists to pursue additional compensation through a personal injury claim.
In some cases, liability may extend beyond the driver. If a crash was caused or worsened by dangerous road conditions, poor design, or inadequate maintenance, the city or county responsible for the roadway may share responsibility. Claims involving government entities are complex and require careful legal analysis, but compensation may be available when public infrastructure poses an unreasonable danger to cyclists.
Local Efforts to Improve Bicycle Safety
Increased traffic, tourism, and population growth have placed added strain on St. Petersburg’s roadways. In response to rising bicycle injuries and fatalities, Pinellas County has taken steps to improve safety through its Bicycle-Pedestrian Master Plan.
Efforts include:
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Adding shared-use lanes on lower-speed roads
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Striping and re-striping roads to better define bike lanes
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Installing clearer signage and pavement markings
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Expanding road shoulders where dedicated bike lanes are not feasible
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Improving visibility and awareness for both drivers and cyclists
While these improvements are helpful, serious accidents still occur—often because infrastructure changes take time, and negligent driving remains a constant risk.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident in St. Petersburg
Even cautious cyclists who follow traffic laws can be seriously injured by careless drivers. If you are involved in a bicycle accident, taking the right steps early can protect both your health and your legal rights:
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Seek medical care immediately, even if injuries seem minor
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Report the accident to police and obtain a copy of the report
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Collect driver and witness information, if possible
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Take photos of the scene, your bike, vehicles involved, and visible injuries
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File an insurance claim under applicable PIP coverage
Medical documentation and timely reporting are critical, especially if you later pursue compensation.
Talk to a St. Petersburg Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Insurance companies often try to minimize bicycle accident claims by questioning the severity of injuries or blaming the cyclist. Florida’s comparative negligence rules mean any allegation of fault can reduce your compensation.
At Applebaum Accident Group, we understand the unique challenges injured cyclists face. Our legal team works to protect your rights, deal with insurance companies, and pursue the full compensation you deserve—so you can focus on healing.
If you or your child was injured in a bicycle accident in St. Petersburg or Pinellas County, contact Applebaum Accident Group today for a consultation(855-Call-Paul)
. There is no obligation, and you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
