How Does Tacoma Ranks Among Most Dangerous Cities for Cyclists?

 


A new report from Wagner Reese law firm provides a ranking of the most dangerous cities in the United States for cyclists and pedestrians. Using data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) for the first half of 2024, the analysis paints a concerning picture for those of us who commute, recreate, or simply live our daily lives on two wheels.

What the Numbers Say

Tacoma received a Cyclist Fatality Score of 44, with an overall risk score of 44.7. To put this in perspective, New York City—ranked as the safest city in the nation—scored just 6 for cyclist fatalities and 5.58 overall. Seattle ranked 11th safest with a Cyclist Fatality Score of 15 and an Overall Score of 15.75.

It is important to note that these aren't just numbers. They represent people who didn’t make it home or to work or to school. And the loss felt by thousands of families.

 A National Crisis

The report highlights disturbing national trends that are playing out on our local streets:

Baton Rouge, Louisiana leads the nation with the highest combined fatality risk for cyclists and pedestrians, while cities in California and Florida dominate the top 20 most dangerous list. Southern and Southwestern cities consistently rank among the most hazardous, while the safest cities tend to be in the Northeast and Midwest.

Why Are Our Streets So Dangerous?

Wagner Reese identified six key factors contributing to cyclist and pedestrian fatalities, all of which are relevant to conditions we face here in Pierce County:

Increased Traffic: More vehicles on the road simply means more opportunities for collisions. As our region continues to grow, this problem intensifies.

Urban Sprawl: While Tacoma has walkable and bikeable neighborhoods, our sprawling development patterns mean more people sharing roadways in more places.

Distracted Driving: Texting, GPS navigation, eating behind the wheel—distracted driving remains a persistent threat to everyone on the road.

Uneven Enforcement: Not all cities prioritize traffic safety enforcement equally. Where police presence is lacking in high-risk areas, dangerous driving behaviors go unchecked.

Infrastructure Issues: Inadequate lighting, insufficient bike lane mileage, poorly designed intersections—these infrastructure gaps put cyclists at heightened risk every day.

Vehicle Size and Type: SUVs and pickup trucks are more likely to hit pedestrians and cyclists when turning. Worse, the added size and weight of these vehicles means more risk to victims. An October 2024 report by the Road to Zero Coalition found that victims of SUVs and pickup trucks are 50 to 100% more likely to die from their injuries. (Report PDF) As larger vehicles dominate American roads, this risk factor continues to grow.

What Can We Do?

The best thing we can do as cyclists is become aware of efforts to address these issues throughout Pierce County and add our voices to the call for safer streets. This isn't just about building more bike lanes—though we need those too. It's about a comprehensive approach that addresses all six risk factors.

We need to advocate for:

  • Better infrastructure: Protected bike lanes, improved lighting, safer intersection design, and more complete streets that accommodate all users.
  • Stronger enforcement: Consistent traffic safety enforcement, particularly around distracted and aggressive driving in high-risk areas.
  • Public awareness campaigns: Educating both drivers and cyclists about sharing the road safely.
  • Smart growth policies: Development patterns that reduce vehicle miles traveled and create truly walkable, bikeable communities.
  • Vision Zero initiatives: Adopting the principle that no loss of life on our streets is acceptable.

Our Voices Matter

Change happens when communities demand it. As members of the Tacoma Washington Bicycle Club, we have both the knowledge and the platform to push for improvements. Attend city council meetings. Participate in transportation planning processes. Support organizations working on traffic safety. Share your experiences and close calls with decision-makers.

Every time we ride, we're not just cyclists—we're advocates for a better, safer transportation system.

To view the complete Wagner Reese report, including methodology and full city rankings, visit: https://www.wagnerreese.com/most-dangerous-cities-cyclists-pedestrians/

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