Palm Beach County recorded 724 bicycle crashes in 2024, resulting in 706 injuries and 6 fatalities, according to the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Crash Dashboard.
These numbers reflect a troubling reality for cyclists across the country. Certain roads are simply more dangerous than others. At Bill Bone Law Group, we’ve represented bicycle accident victims in West Palm Beach and throughout Palm Beach County for over 25 years, helping injured riders understand their rights and pursue the compensation they deserve.
You May Need This Article If:
- You or a loved one was struck by a motor vehicle while riding a bicycle in West Palm Beach or Palm Beach County
- You’re trying to identify safer cycling routes in your neighborhood
- A family member was seriously injured on a high-traffic corridor like Military Trail or Okeechobee Boulevard
- You’re dealing with insurance companies after a crash and don’t know your legal options
If you or someone you love has been injured in a bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation under Florida law. The experienced attorneys at Bill Bone Law Group are ready to fight for your rights. Call us today at (561) 264-5379 for a free consultation.
What Is a Bicycle Accident Case in Florida?
Under Florida law, bicycles are treated as vehicles on public roadways. Florida Statutes § 316.2065(1) establishes that every person propelling a vehicle by human power has all of the rights and duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle.
This means motorists must treat cyclists with the same respect and caution they would afford cars and trucks. When a driver fails to do so and causes an accident, you have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.
Florida law also requires motorists to maintain a safe distance when passing bicyclists. Under F.S. § 316.083, drivers overtaking a bicycle must pass at a distance of not less than 3 feet between the vehicle and the bicycle. A driver who violates this requirement and strikes a cyclist may be found negligent.
Bike-Friendly vs. Dangerous Streets in Palm Beach County For Cyclists
According to the Palm Beach Transportation Planning Agency, intersections along Military Trail account for half of the top 10 most dangerous intersections in Palm Beach County.
A particularly alarming statistic stands out: although only 12% of Palm Beach County roads have three or more lanes, 84% of deadly pedestrian and bicyclist crashes happen on those roads.
According to WPBF, the top 5 most dangerous intersections in the county, based on the number and severity of crashes, include:
- Okeechobee Boulevard and Military Trail
- West Atlantic Avenue and Congress Avenue
- Forest Hill Boulevard and Military Trail
- West Atlantic Avenue and Military Trail
- 10th Avenue North and Military Trail
These intersections have become known hot spots where drivers and cyclists are more likely to lose control due to heavy congestion, frequent lane changes, and unpredictable traffic patterns.
Okeechobee Boulevard has earned a reputation as “extraordinarily dangerous” for pedestrians and cyclists due to its multiple lanes and congested interchanges.
Despite being located within a rapidly growing city corridor near the coast, this roadway contrasts sharply with the nearby stunning views of South Florida’s natural beauty.
These wide, high-speed roads share common risk factors – heavy traffic volumes, complex turning movements, driveways opening directly onto the roadway, and limited visibility for both drivers and cyclists.
The mix of local commuters and visitors traveling between the city and the coast further increases the likelihood that someone may lose control, making these locations persistent crash hot spots and some of the most dangerous areas in the region.
Bicycle crashes have seen a significant resurgence since the pandemic lows of 2020, with Palm Beach County recording over 720 crashes in 2024 alone.
This upward trend highlights the growing risks on our local roadways, especially in these most dangerous areas where congestion and limited sightlines continue to challenge even experienced drivers and cyclists.
Bike-Friendly Routes and Trails in Palm Beach County
For cyclists seeking safer alternatives, Palm Beach County offers several dedicated trails and paths. The Palm Beach Lake Trail is a scenic, paved path running approximately 6 miles along the Intracoastal Waterway.
This trail provides traffic-free bicycling ideal for families, with very few street crossings, which helps reduce bike traffic conflicts and can improve safety for riders of all ages.
Cyclists pass historic landmarks, including the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum, and enjoy views of the West Palm Beach skyline. Public access points along the trail also feature convenient bike racks, making it easy for riders to stop, rest, and explore the surrounding area.
Other bike-friendly options include Dyer Park in West Palm Beach, which features nearly 5 miles of traditional bike paths plus 7 miles of mountain bike trails, and John Prince Memorial Park in Lake Worth, offering a 4.5-mile paved bicycle path around Lake Osborne.
Jupiter’s Riverbend Park provides 10 miles of wheelchair-accessible bike path through natural Florida landscapes. These well-designed routes help improve safety and can significantly reduce the risk of minor injuries by separating riders from heavy bike traffic and vehicle congestion. Additional trailheads throughout these parks also provide shaded seating areas and accessible bike racks for added convenience.
Palm Beach County has also invested in new infrastructure. The county recently completed its first separated bicycle lane on Lyons Road and Sansbury’s Way, running nearly 4 miles from Forest Hill Boulevard to Okeechobee Boulevard.
This protected facility provides a physical barrier between cyclists and motor vehicles, offering greater safety than traditional painted bike lanes, helping further improve safety and reduce the likelihood of minor injuries for daily riders and commuters.
Can I File a Lawsuit in Florida?
Yes, you can file a claim for injuries sustained in a bicycle accident. To pursue a lawsuit for pain, suffering, and other non-economic damages, your injuries must meet the “serious injury threshold” under F.S. § 627.737(2).
This includes significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function, permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability, significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement, or death.
Under F.S. § 95.11(5)(a), you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline will bar your claim regardless of its merits.
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system under F.S. § 768.81, meaning your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you’re determined to be more than 50% at fault, you are completely barred from recovering any damages.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident
Taking the right steps immediately after a collision can protect both your physical well-being and your legal rights. Call 911 to document the incident and report injuries.
Exchange information with the driver, including their license, insurance, and vehicle details. Use your phone to photograph the scene, your injuries, and any road hazards. Collect contact information from witnesses.
You must seek medical attention within 14 days of the accident to preserve your benefits under Florida’s Personal Injury Protection (“PIP”) law. PIP is “no-fault” coverage that pays 80% of your medical bills and 60% of lost wages up to $10,000, regardless of who caused the crash. However, if you fail to see a doctor within that 2-week window, you may lose this coverage entirely.
Ready to Speak With a Lawyer?
Bill Bone Law Group has helped thousands of Florida injury victims seek justice and financial recovery. If you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident in West Palm Beach or anywhere in Palm Beach County, contact us today for a free consultation and case review. Don’t wait until deadlines pass or evidence disappears.
Call us now at 561-225-2139 to protect your rights.
