The number of bicyclists killed in accidents in Iowa in 2016 is the highest since 2005, according to a report by the Iowa Bicycle Coalition.

The group, a nonprofit that works to promote Iowa cycling, said 11 people died in fatal bicycle crashes in 2016.

“Fatal bicycle crashes have reached critical levels in Iowa,” the coalition said in a statement.

Two of the crashes did not involve motor vehicles. A 35-year-old man was found dead after riding off a trail in Clive, and a 10-year-old hit a tree in Davenport.

In one crash, a man died while bicycling near Cherokee. It is believed to be a hit and run, the group said.

Three of the 11 crashes had contributing circumstances attributed to the bicyclist. A child in Webster City rode a bicycle into the path of a motorcycle; a southeast Iowa bicyclist was struck at 9 p.m. and was reported to be wearing dark clothing and did not have lights or reflectors; and a 77-year-old Paullina man turned into the path of oncoming traffic.

The remaining five crashes involved bicyclists struck from behind by motor vehicles near Sycamore, Nashua, West Liberty, North Liberty and Glenwood.

The Glenwood crash occurred during the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa.

Wayne L. Ezell, 72, of Jacksonville, Florida, was pronounced dead at the scene after a wreck occurred at 6:40 a.m. July 24 on U.S. Highway 34, according to the Iowa State Patrol.

Ezell was likely on his way to the Missouri River to dip his bicycle wheels in the stream before starting the weeklong RAGBRAI. Riders traditionally dip their tires in the Missouri and the Mississippi Rivers at the start and end of their journey.

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