A new report from ADT Security Services named Iowa the most dangerous state for cyclists.
Five Iowa cities -- Webster City, Waterloo, Sioux City, Johnston and Des Moines -- rank among the top 10 most dangerous in the country.
Los Angeles ranked No. 1, New York City came in at No. 2 and Webster City ranked No. 3.
The report placed Johnston at No. 9 on the list. Des Moines ranked No. 10.
The cities in the ADT report have a higher percentage of fatal crashes and lower percentage of commuters.
Metro cyclist Chuck Gehringer said he understands why Iowa cities ranked so high.
“It can be if you ride the highways and don't ride safe,” Gehringer said. “One of our good friends (and) teammate was killed out here on the Cumming Highway.”
Others said they felt the numbers didn’t add up.
“I feel extremely safe,” cyclist Brandon Spencer said.
“I don't think it is a very accurate representation of our community,” Des Moines police Sgt. Paul Parizek said.
Parizek said the Des Moines Police Department works hard to create a safe environment for cyclists and is constantly trying to update the community to make it more inclusive for riders.
“We draw those folks to that 63 miles of trail,” he said. “We are also making those bike protected lanes in the East Village and throughout downtown that make it safer for us to move in relation to each other on the roadways.”
Parizek also said that authorities in Des Moines are constantly working with the public to educate drivers and riders on traffic laws.
You may read the full report here