Why are Biking and Walking to Work Unpopular in Florida?

National Geographic conducted a study about how people behave, and whether their choices have a positive impact on our world’s environmental sustainability. They evaluated 17 nations. They found the U.S. has the lowest levels of bike commuting of all the countries evaluated. (We also had the lowest levels of walking to work). Only 1.3% of people bike to work. How does the largest group of Americans travel to work?  By driving alone.

Why? Floridians are afraid to ride or walk to work.

In their minds, the only plausible choice is getting behind the wheel of their 5,000 pound vehicle – for protection.  The U.S. is both UNSAFE and relatively INACCESSIBLE or unwelcoming for both pedestrians and cyclists.  When it comes to Florida residents, there is ample data to explain why people are afraid to ride a bike or walk – they could be killed or injured.

The 2014 Dangerous By Design Study concluded the four (4) most dangerous cities in the United States for pedestrians are all located in Florida – Orlando/Kissimmee; Tampa/St. Petersburg; Jacksonville; and Miami/Fort Lauderdale/Pompano Beach.  Yet, the study also concluded there is a known solution to the problem. Pedestrian deaths are preventable through better policy, design, practice and regulation.  When it comes to bicycling, Florida has rated consistently at the bottom of the states in the Alliance For Biking and Walking Benchmarking Reports. In 2005-2007, Jacksonville was the most dangerous U.S. city by bike/pedestrian fatality rate.  (2010 Alliance for Biking and Walking Benchmarking Report).  In 2007-2009, Jacksonville was the 2nd worst U.S. city in bicycle/pedestrian fatality rate.  (2012 Alliance for Biking and Walking Benchmarking Report).

Because bicycling and walking is perceived as dangerous, people avoid it.  But our low levels of bike and pedestrian commuting cause our communities and even ourselves to be the “losers”.  If more Floridians were able to commute by bike or walking, they would seem noticeable improvement in their physical health, in their communities environment, and even their own overall happiness.

In Florida, only about 6% of our residents meet the recommended levels of physical activity for good health.  About 2.2% of Florida residents bike to work.  Yet, riding a bike and walking are simply great fun! The Urban Planning School at Portland State University conducted a study on commuting in the United States. The study concluded that people who bike and walk to work are happiest, as compared to those who drive a vehicle or ride mass transit. According to the study, what are the factors that can diminish happiness for cyclists and pedestrians?  Safety concerns and traffic congestion topped the list.

How do we know that Safety is the key?

First – let’s highlight the problem in the U.S.  Only 1.3% of our residents bike to work.  But bicyclists make up 3.4% of traffic fatalities!  Only 5% of Americans walk to work.  But pedestrians are 27.8% of traffic fatalities! Florida has the worst safety ranking for bicyclists and deaths.

Florida is ranked 44th in pedestrian safety.  In Alliance’s 2014 Benchmarking Report, cities were evaluated for amount of walking/cycling and deaths.  The city with the most pedestrians was Boston – which also had the lowest numbers of pedestrian fatalities and had the highest rate of walk commuting among the 52 cities and the lowest rate of fatalities per walking commuter.  All five of the cities with the most pedestrians were in the top ten cities for pedestrian safety.

There are two reasons for better safety:

1. These cities have better, safer facilities for walking.
2. People interacting (motorists) with these pedestrians are expecting them to be present, and are looking for them.  It is a very important point – if you want pedestrians and cyclists to be safer in your community – improve the conditions and then encourage more riding and walking.  The more participants, the safer they will be!

Christopher Burns, Esq. is an attorney who has handled hundreds of bicycling and pedestrian accident-related legal claims over almost thirty years.  He is an engaged and active advocate for the safe, accessible conditions for bicyclists and pedestrians throughout Florida, and currently serves as the Chairman of the Jacksonville (Fla.) Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee.  He is also a board member and treasurer of the Florida Bicycle Association.  Please contact him for a free consultation about your bicycle or pedestrian related accident.