5 Most Dangerous Cities for Cyclists

Bicyclists face many dangers on the road, but in some cities, those dangers are amplified. From high crime rates to a high number of cyclist homicides, these cities can be treacherous for those on two wheels. In this article, we'll take a look at the most dangerous cities in the world for bicyclists.

5. Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Port Moresby, the capital of Papua New Guinea, is one of the most dangerous cities in the world. It has high levels of crime, including murder and rape, as well as a lack of basic services like running water and electricity. There is also a lot of political instability in the city, which can lead to violence.

The village of Koki in Port Moresby.

The elections in Papua New Guinea earlier in 2022 were overshadowed by violence, with an estimated 50 election-related deaths. This was due to a number of factors, including legitimate grievances about the electoral process, such as the fact that the electoral roll had not been properly updated since 2012. There were also legacy issues between ethnic and cultural groups in PNG that can flare up around election time. The government deployed security personnel and moved vote counting to safer areas, but some experts said more could be done to prevent violence. Australia provided support for PNG during the elections, but it is difficult to assess whether more could have been done. The lack of security and reports of bribery and coercion cast doubt on the result of the election. Electoral reform is needed to avoid violence in future elections.

Bicycling in New Guinea can be dangerous due to the lack of respect for traffic rules and poor enforcement of the law. This results in increased traffic and hazards for those who do follow the rules. The main culprits are taxis and PMV drivers, but vendors also contribute to the problem by dumping rubbish in the drain gutter. Bicyclists are at risk of being hit by cars or forced off the road, and the situation is made worse by heavy rains which flood the roads.

4. St. Louis, USA

This one may come as a surprise for many, as St. Louis is often regarded as one of the best places in the US for cycling. However, St. Louis is one of the most dangerous cities in America. In 2017, the city had a murder rate of 60.9 per 100,000 people, which was more than double the national average. The city also has high rates of violent crime and property crime.

Residents in Maryland Heights hold up police tape so a hearse can cross after an apartment fire.

There are several factors that contribute to St. Louis’s high crime rate. The city has a high poverty rate, with more than one in four residents living below the poverty line. It also has a large population of young people, who are more likely to commit crimes than older adults. Additionally, St. Louis has a long history of violence and segregation, which can lead to conflicts between different groups of people.

Despite the growing evidence of the dangers of bicycling in St. Louis, city leaders have yet to take action, resulting in continued danger for cyclists and pedestrians alike. When crashes do occur, the onus is often placed on the victim rather than the operator of the vehicle. This one-sided analysis ignores the fact that many cyclists are forced to break traffic laws in order to stay safe due to dangerous infrastructure and car-focused city culture. All drivers must be held accountable for their actions on the road and work together to make the streets safer for everyone.

The best way to stay safe in St. Louis is to be aware of your surroundings and avoid areas that are known to be dangerous. If you must go into a dangerous area, try to travel in groups and keep your belongings close to you at all times

3. Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Town is one of the most picturesque cities in the world. It’s also one of the most dangerous. The city has a long history of crime, and violence is a part of everyday life. Shootings, stabbings, and other violent crimes are common. Drug use is rampant, and gang activity is a serious problem.

Residents of Cape Town rally against violence.

There are areas of Cape Town that are simply too dangerous for visitors or residents to venture into. Even in the daytime, it’s not safe to walk around some neighborhoods. At night, it’s even more dangerous. If you live in Cape Town, it’s important to be aware of the dangers and take steps to protect yourself. Be sure to stay in well-lit areas at night, don’t carry valuables with you, and be cautious when interacting with strangers.

Non-vehicular homicide of cyclists is very uncommon, but Cape Town breaks the mold when it comes to crime. In 2018, an unnamed 68-year-old cyclist was stabbed to death and robbed of his possessions while traveling through an off-road path. The perpetrators were caught with the victim's bicycle and other possessions.

2. Caracas, Venezuela

Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, is one of the most dangerous cities in the world. In 2018, it had the highest murder rate of any city, with 119 murders per 100,000 people. That’s more than 20 times the global average.

Women in Caracas rally for the elimination of violence against women.

Many of these murders are gang-related violence. But even if you’re not involved in gangs, you’re still at risk. Caracas has high levels of crime and insecurity overall. And the situation is only getting worse as Venezuela’s economy continues to collapse.

There are also dangers beyond crime and violence. The quality of life in Caracas has deteriorated sharply in recent years due to food and medicine shortages, power outages, and water shortages. And things are only expected to get worse as Venezuela’s crisis deepens.

In Caracas, bicycling can be a dangerous proposition. The city is plagued by traffic gridlock, and motorcyclists are known for blazing through traffic, putting the lives of pedestrians and cyclists at risk. The city also has a high rate of motor vehicle-related deaths.

Despite these dangers, the city is trying to promote biking as an alternative to car commuting. A new bike path was built in 2015, and a free bike-share program has been launched. However, activists say that more needs to be done to make the city safe for cyclists.

If you’re thinking about cycling through Caracas, think twice – it might not be worth risking your safety.

1. Tijuana, Mexico

The Mexican city of Tijuana is once again on track to be named the most dangerous city in the world, with a homicide rate of 138 per 100,000 residents. The main reasons behind this violence are human trafficking and the drug trade by different gangs. So far this year in Tijuana, more than 1,160 murders have been recorded. Last year, it had 2000. In 2019, it totaled well over 2200. Baja California Gov. Jaime Bonilla has said people are safe for the most part in Tijuana and other parts of Baja California, but a recent poll done by Mexico’s Public Safety Agency showed almost 80 percent of residents don’t feel safe living in Tijuana.

The military had to be called in Tijuana following a spike in violence, resulting in the arrest of more than a dozen gang members.

The ongoing struggle between drug cartels fighting for control of Tijuana’s lucrative drug market has led to another bloody year in the Mexican border city, with 1,224 murders recorded as of December 31. This average rate will likely result in 1,917 homicides for the year. The Drug Enforcement Administration has said the war between three separate drug cartels vying for control of the Tijuana drug-trafficking corridor and its proximity to California is the main reason for the city’s elevated murder rate. Since the start of the year, Mexican National Guard troops have been posted throughout the city of Tijuana, hoping their presence would serve as a deterrent. Due in part to the violence in Tijuana and Baja California, the U.S. State Department has issued a travel advisory for Americans planning to visit Mexico.

This year, Tijuana is on track to have fewer than 1,800 murders, or 7 every day, which would be considered an improvement over previous years when the city has averaged 2,000 homicides per year.

If you must travel to Tijuana right now, the best idea is to go on a well-protected tour. Tijuana has been voted the most dangerous city in the world for two years in a row.