The United States has countless roads and driveways that cyclists can cruise through. However, some of these roads are a lot more special than others. On the other hand, some others are a lot more dangerous, so it makes sense to avoid them.
So, what happens when you combine a special road and a dangerous one? You get a scenic route that can cause traffic fatalities, and yet, it keeps attracting people who are bored of those city bike lanes.
It won’t be long before you pick up the pattern of (this road is beautiful, but…) in this article. That being said, here are five of the most dangerous roads for cyclists in the U.S.
1. Hempstead Turnpike, Long Island, NY
- Location: Between Berger and Wantagh Avenues, Levittown
- Distance: Approximately 8 miles
- Fatalities: 13 cyclist fatalities from 2011 to 2021
Hempstead Turnpike is known for being dangerous for cyclists. This busy road runs through several populated areas and sees heavy traffic, making it a risky route for those on bikes.
The road is about 8 miles long, stretching between Berger and Wantagh Avenues in Levittown. It connects various communities and commercial areas on Long Island. However, its design and high traffic levels create a challenging environment for cyclists.
From 2011 to 2021, there were 13 cyclist fatalities reported along Hempstead Turnpike. This statistic shows that it is one of the most dangerous roads for cyclists in the U.S. On average, there are three accidents involving cyclists each month, highlighting the risks faced by those who ride here.
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2. Overseas Highway, Florida
- Location: Connects the Florida Keys to the mainland
- Distance: 113 miles
- Fatalities: Numerous fatal accidents were reported, but specific numbers were not detailed
The Overseas Highway is a scenic but dangerous route that stretches approximately 113 miles from the mainland of Florida to Key West. Officially known as U.S. Route 1, this highway offers stunning views of the ocean and connects the various islands of the Florida Keys. Despite its beauty, it poses significant risks for cyclists.
The highway runs through Monroe County and features 42 bridges that link the islands. It was built on the former path of the Overseas Railroad, which was damaged by a hurricane in 1935. The road has since become a popular route for tourists and locals alike.
While specific fatality numbers for cyclists on the Overseas Highway are not well-documented, numerous accidents have occurred over the years.
The combination of heavy traffic, narrow lanes, and a lack of shoulders makes it particularly hazardous for cyclists. Reports indicate that potholes and poor road conditions also contribute to the danger.
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3. I-95, Florida
- Location: Runs along Florida’s east coast
- Distance: 1,919 miles
- Fatalities: High accident rates, specific numbers not detailed.
Interstate 95 (I-95) is one of the most dangerous highways in the United States, particularly in Florida. This major highway runs along the east coast, connecting several key cities from Miami to Jacksonville and beyond.
I-95 spans approximately 1,919 miles, but the stretch through Florida is often cited as the most hazardous. This section sees a high volume of traffic daily, making it a critical route for both local commuters and long-distance travelers.
The Florida portion of I-95 has a troubling safety record. Between April 2014 and April 2015, there were 1,713 accidents reported, resulting in 25 fatalities. This alarming rate translates to nearly two deaths for every mile of highway in some areas.
In addition, over 200 accidents occur each year along I-95 in South Florida alone, with some sections being particularly notorious for their high accident rates.
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4. Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia
- Location: Scenic route through the Appalachian Mountains
- Distance: 469 miles
- Fatalities: Over 349 crashes in 2019, specific fatalities not detailed
The Blue Ridge Parkway is a scenic route that runs for 469 miles through the Appalachian Mountains, connecting Shenandoah National Park in Virginia to Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina.
It’s often referred to as “America’s Favorite Drive” and is a popular destination for tourists seeking natural beauty and outdoor activities. The parkway features numerous overlooks, hiking trails, and picnic areas, making it an attractive spot for both drivers and cyclists.
It’s still a dangerous place to be, though, especially if you’re on wheels.
In 2019 alone, there were over 349 crashes reported on the Blue Ridge Parkway. While specific fatality numbers are not detailed, the high number of accidents indicates that cyclists face significant risks while riding along this route.
The combination of steep terrain, sharp curves, and varying weather conditions can make a small mistake turn fatal really quickly for all road users.
Note: As of writing, the Blue Ridge Parkway has multiple closed sections due to damage from Hurricane Helene.
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5. Tail of the Dragon, North Carolina
- Location: US Route 129 near the Tennessee border
- Distance: 11 miles
- Fatalities: Average of one death per year
The Tail of the Dragon, also called US Route 129, is a well-known road that stretches 11 miles through Deals Gap at the North Carolina-Tennessee border. This road is famous for its exciting twists and turns, featuring 318 curves that attract motorcycle and sports car fans from all over.
The Tail of the Dragon runs through the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains. It is a two-lane road with no side roads, intersections, or driveways, which makes it a great place to enjoy a drive or cycle.
The area is mostly wild, allowing for great views of the trees and mountains. However, this means that help can be far away if something goes wrong.
The road has a reputation for being dangerous. On average, it sees at least one death each year due to its tricky conditions.
From 2000 to 2017, there were about 37 traffic deaths recorded on this road. In 2019, 93 vehicle accidents happened here, most involving motorcycles. These numbers show how risky it can be to ride on this winding road.
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Stay Safe
Bottom line, these roads are a major problem that needs fixing. Safer designs, slower traffic, and better education could go a long way. But until that happens, cyclists better be super careful navigating these hazardous areas. The risk hazard is just too high for people on bikes.
Next time you pick up your bicycle, approach these rides with caution.
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The USA is known as a country for the free and the brave. But, with much freedom comes a lot of responsibility. Over the past few years, the crime rate in America is slowly rising, with violent crimes increasing. That’s why you should know the most dangerous cities in the United States according to the latest data.
While there can be many reasons crime increases in any country, it is crucial to be aware of which cities see the most crime potential before booking a trip— especially as a solo traveller.
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37 Most Dangerous Cities in the World You Need to Know About
While traveling is one of the greatest joys humans have, certain places need you to take extra precautions. With frequent news stories of violence, kidnappings and gang warfare, it’s hard to ignore the reality that there are dangerous places to travel to.
If you have no idea what the most dangerous cities in the world are, don’t worry — this guide’s got you covered. It’s been compiled using data from the Mexican Council for Public Security and Criminal Justice (MCPSCJ) and sources like The Economist Intelligence Unit.
Whether you’re looking at places to avoid when traveling or just want to stroke your curiosity, you’ll find some of the world’s most dangerous cities below.
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31 Most Dangerous Cities in Europe You Might Want to Avoid
Europe is an incredibly diverse continent and has many beautiful cities. Many of those cities are perfectly set up for tourists, but some are considered more dangerous than others.
What makes a city dangerous? Is it the number of criminal reports? Natural disasters? Scams? Terrorist attacks? Generally, it’s a combination of all of those. Europe is quite lucky to be a continent full of safe and bucket list-worthy destinations. But there will always be some level of risk wherever you go.
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Amanda O’Brien is the creator and editor of The Boutique Adventurer. She has visited 80 countries and is a member of the British Guild of Travel Writers as well as the IFTWTA. She is passionate about wine had has just completed Level 3 of the WSET. Born in Australia, she lives in London.