Bicycling is a fun and healthy activity. It is also great transportation with a low carbon footprint. There are cities and towns across America who promote bicycling to reduce petroleum fuel usage and stay fit as a whole community. The State of Florida established the Conserve by Bicycle Program administered by the Department of Transportation.
Conserve by Bicycle Program
The Florida Legislature established the Conserve by Bicycle Program in 2005. The program aims:
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To save energy by reducing petroleum-based fuels
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To increase cycling to improve community interconnectivity
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To reduce traffic congestion
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To provide recreational opportunities
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To encourage healthy trends to reduce long-term health costs
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To provide safe travel to schools for students.
Florida law requiring safety precautions
The Florida Legislature also requires bicycle riders to follow certain laws when cycling. The State Uniform Traffic Control chapter states that all bicyclists must follow the same rules as motor vehicle drivers. A bicycle can only carry the number of people it was designed for. Any bicyclist under the age of 16 must “wear a bicycle helmet that is properly fitted and is fastened securely upon the passenger’s head by a strap and that meets the federal safety standard for bicycle helmets, final rule, 16 C.F.R. part 1203.” FL Stat. sec. 316.2065(3)(d).
Florida also requires “Every bicycle in use between sunset and sunrise shall be equipped with a lamp on the front exhibiting a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front and a lamp and reflector on the rear each exhibiting a red light visible from a distance of 600 feet to the rear.” FL Stat. sec. 316.2065(7).
State law also requires all drivers, including bicyclists, to signal before turning or stopping. The law specifically spells out exactly how to signal for a left turn (left arm straight out), a right turn (left arm extended upward, or a bicyclist can use their right hand straight out), and a stop (left arm extended downward). FL Stat. sec. 316.157.
Gables Bike Day
Various cities around the world have large cycle gatherings. Miami has Bike Days Miami. Now there is the Gables Bike Day, “a cycling block party on Miracle Mile tucked between Southwest 37th Avenue and Le Jeune Road.”
Local citizens created the “Bike Walk Coral Gables, a non-profit organization that promotes cycling and pedestrian safety in the canopied community.” Bike Walk Coral Gables organized Gables Bike Day in 2011. The festival was a huge success. “It attracted more than 3,000 people with its bike tours, kid zones, live music and restaurant sponsorships.”
With such a large community response, Bike Walk Coral Gables set up “programming and advocating for bike initiatives. In three years, the organization has helped the Gables develop a bike master plan including protected bikes lanes on Ponce De Leon Boulevard, implementing cycle tracks on Miracle Mile and its newest initiative to connect the University of Miami to Downtown Coral Gables.”
Bike Walk Coral Gables promotes bike safety, but injuries occur. If you are injured while riding a bicycle, contact our knowledgeable attorneys to assess your situation to determine if you have a case.
The attorneys at Hoffman, Larin & Agnetti, PA. will provide a free, no obligation consultation at our South Florida offices located in Dade, Broward and Monroe Counties. If you are unable to travel, we can see you at your home, hospital, or other location which is convenient for you. Call us at (305) 653-5555 or contact us to schedule your free consultation today.
