Pinellas County has experienced 685 bicycle crashes so far this year, resulting in 10 deaths, according to the sheriff’s office.

The crashes are part of a broader trend across Florida, where more than 8,000 bicycle crashes occurred in the first 10 months of 2025, including 156 fatalities. Of those deaths, 38 occurred in the Tampa Bay area.

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office attributes many local incidents to cyclists running red lights and stop signs before being struck by vehicles. Sgt. Jessica Mackesy said at least four cyclists were critically injured or killed in October alone, emphasizing that cyclists must stop at traffic signals regardless of previous behavior.

Kyle Simpson, active transportation planner with Forward Pinellas, said current crash numbers are consistent with yearly trends but noted the county aims for zero serious injuries or deaths through its Safe Streets Pinellas initiative. He said overall crashes across all transportation modes have been trending steady or downward.

Simpson explained that under Florida law, cyclists on roadways must follow the same traffic rules as motor vehicles, including stopping at red lights and stop signs. Cyclists on sidewalks are considered pedestrians and must yield to other pedestrians while following pedestrian signals.

He also noted difficulty tracking electric bicycle crashes specifically, though those incidents appear to be increasing. Under state law, e-bikes that exceed 28 mph are classified as unregistered motor vehicles rather than bicycles.

Simpson encouraged cyclists to follow traffic rules and remain aware of their surroundings, adding that while the region hasn’t achieved its safety goals, “it is a safe experience” when proper precautions are taken.

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