7 Ways to Ride Your Bike Safely Around Florida

Sunny weather and picturesque scenery make Florida just a dream for cyclists. Ride along the beach, around the city streets, or on nature trails. Just make sure you take all the necessary safety precautions. A little bit of knowledge, like these seven tips, can go a long way to really enjoying biking around.

1. Always Wear A Helmet

No matter how long your ride is, wearing a helmet can save your life. Everyone under 16 is required to wear a helmet under Florida bike laws, but it can help save anyone's life. Just make sure your helmet is the correct size and fits properly, or it won't work as well as it should. 

If, for some reason, you cannot get a helmet, stay on side roads and away from anything that could get in the way of your riding. 

2. Be Easy to See

If you plan to ride on busy streets, make sure to wear bright clothing. At night, however, you'll need added measures to be visible. Florida law actually requires a white light on the front of your bike and a red reflector or light on the back when riding after dark.

Add some spoke or handlebar LEDs to your bike and reflective strips on clothes, helmets, and bikes to increase visibility from all angles.

3. Follow Traffic Rules

In Florida, bikes are considered vehicles, just like cars. Make sure to stop at red lights, yield to pedestrians, and be able to ride in the direction of traffic flow.  You must also use hand signals when making turns.

If there is a bike lane, be in it. If you are sharing the road with cars, always try to be to the right to allow plenty of room for vehicles to pass. Don’t ride on the sidewalk!

4. Plan Out Your Route

Spontaneous rides are the most fun, but planning your route in advance allows you to avoid highly traffic-congested areas and dangerous intersections. Florida has a load of bike-friendly paths and trails that make for a scenic and safe ride. Just a few of these are the Pinellas Trail, Legacy Trail, Timber Lake Bike Trails, the Withlacoochee State Trail, and Shark Valley.

Knowing in which direction you're headed often lets you think about the fun of it all rather than anxious moments on tricky roadways or surprise traffic.

5. Stay Alert

Probably one of the easiest ways not to get into an accident is to become aware of what is going on around you and to watch out for potholes, glass, and other things on the road. That also means watching out for cars, pedestrians, and other cyclists. At intersections, try to make eye contact when you can to ensure the drivers see you.

If at all possible, avoid riding on the roads and go through parks or trails.

6. Know What to Do in Case of an Accident

Nobody would wish to get involved in an accident, but since this is very unfortunate, it can happen to anybody. In fact, even the most careful cyclists. In any case that you get involved in an accident, here are things, which you need to do so that you protect yourself and your rights.

1. See a doctor: Often, an injury may not show itself immediately, even if you do not feel any symptoms. Make sure a doctor clears you of any head injuries. 
2. Document the scene: Use your phone’s camera to take snaps of the accident, damages to your bike, and visible injuries. If any witnesses are present at the scene, get statements from them.
3. Consult a bicycle accident lawyer: If the negligence of another party caused your accident, then bicycle accident attorneys may assist in recovering costs against medical expenses and bike repairs to other losses.

7. Carry Hydration And Sun Protection 

The heat in Florida can sneak up on you, especially biking for a really long time. Carry lots of water at all times, and rest in the shade if you feel yourself overheating. You could become dehydrated much sooner than you might think, so fluids are key. Consider hydration packs or water enhancers to add to your bottle. Bring sunscreen even on overcast days. Florida UV rays can get hot at any time of the year; wear sunglasses and get a hat or helmet with a visor. 

Enjoy the Ride!

The following safety tips provide confidence as one pedals through the Sunshine State. All one really needs to remember is to remain visible, follow traffic laws, and plan a route to a safe and entertaining ride. 

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