Abilene 2nd deadliest city in US for bicyclists

ABILENE, Texas — Abilene is the second deadliest city in the US for bicyclists, according to a new study by carinsurance.org.

Researchers analyzed data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Fatality Analysis Reporting System for 2014-2017.

Cities were ranked by the number of cyclist deaths in relation to the number of bike commuters in that city.

Abilene had five deaths among 112 bicycle commuters.

November 23, 2016 - Casey Ellis

August 20, 2016 - Valentin Grigory Papadin

January 29, 2016 - Augustine Salazar

September 26, 2014 - Nathan Fife

April 12, 2014 - Jesus Tijerina

Those do not include the death of April Gist who was killed on March 31, 2018 when she was hit by an SUV while trying to cross South 27th Street.

RELATED: Abilene's Bicycle Master Plan

The deadliest city for cyclists, according to the study, is Cape Coral, Florida.

The other Texas cities to make the list are:

• 13: Arlington - 4 deaths, 382 bike commuters
  
  
• 16: San Antonio - 13 deaths, 1,340 bike commuters
  
  
• 39: Fort Worth - 4 deaths, 776 bike commuters
  
  
• 45: Houston - 24 deaths, 5,451 bike commuters
  
  
• 66: Austin - 9 deaths, 6,636 bike commuters

Seventy-seven cities made the list.

Safety tips for Bicyclists (Courtesy of TxDOT)

• Wear a properly fitted helmet to reduce the chances of head injury and death. (Some cities and counties require cyclists to wear helmets. Contact local law enforcement for more information.)
• Always check brakes and tires before riding.
• Make it easier for drivers to see you by wearing light colors or reflective clothing.

Safety tips for Drivers (Courtesy of TxDOT)

• Be on the lookout for cyclists on the highway, especially at intersections.
• If you're passing a bicyclist, move to another lane if possible and give them plenty of room.
• Watch for riders who may need to maneuver around potholes and debris.