Biking and walking is a great way to have fun, stay healthy and 
help the environment. Florida is a great place to walk and ride a bicycle, but it can also be a dangerous one. In 2007, there were almost 5,000 reported cycling accidents in Florida, and those accidents resulted in 119 fatalities. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 5,000 pedestrians die each year in motor vehicle accidents, and more than 78,000 pedestrians suffer injury when hit by a car or truck.
Under the congressionally endorsed “Complete Streets” initiative, wide medians, trees with shade and protection like curbing between the roadway and bike lanes are encourage and slowly being incorporated into South Florida roads. The goal is to save on emission, saves lives and to make bicycle and pedestrian friendly roadways.
The principles of “Complete Streets” are already visible in both Palm Beach and Broward Counties including a bright green bike path in downtown Fort Lauderdale and in Boca Raton with the removal of left turn lanes downtown on Palmetto Park road which have been replaced with medians.
Bicycle and pedestrian fatalities and injuries are often caused by a collision with motor vehicle by a driver who was distracted (texting, talking on phone, speeding) and failed to yield, ran a red light or stop sign, etc. Other causes can include poor roadways, unmarked lanes, loose gravel, potholes, overgrown vegetation, and defective bike equipment (tires, helmets).
If you are in an accident, it is important to note that often juries carry negative prejudice and/or bias against cyclists, despite the fact that they are entitled to use the roadway as a motor vehicle by law. It’s important that you hire a law firm who has a thorough knowledge and understanding of Florida statutes and case law.
Resources:
For safety tips on bicycle safety, please click on the following links where you can download a free Cycling Safety guide or to view our informative on-line safety video. We also provide other helpful links below.
Cycling Safety Brochure – A Guide to Cycling Safety – www.murrayguari.com/images/MG-CyclingSafety-Trifold.pdf
Bicycling Accident Discussion – https://murrayguari.com/bicycling-and-pedestrian-safety-discussion/
America Bikes – www.americabikes.org
Bikes Belong – www.bikesbelong.org
Brain Injury Association of Florida – www.biaf.org
Florida Bicycle Association – www.floridabicycle.org
Florida Department of Transportation – www.fdot.gov
League of American Bicyclists – www.bikeleague.org
National Highway and Transportation Safety Administration – www.nhtsa.gov
Share The Road – www.sharetheroad.org
Safe Kids – www.safekids.org
