- Wear a helmet. It’s as
important as wearing a seat belt in a car. If you have an accident, a good helmet will
usually protect you against serious head injury. Florida law requires children under 16 to
wear a helmet.
- Obey the rules of the road. In
Florida, as in most states, bicyclists have basically the same rights and responsibilities
as motorized traffic. Ride with traffic, never facing it. Observe signals, stop and yield
signs. Remember, sidewalks are for pedestrians.
- If you ride at dusk or after, make
yourself highly visible. A white headlight and red taillight visible at 500 feet and
rear red reflector are required by law when bicycling. These lights should be supplemented
by reflectors (pedal reflectors, wheel reflectors, etc.) and other devices such as arm
lights, a rear flashing beacon, reflective tape for sewing on clothing and bike bags, bags
constructed of reflective fabric, reflective tape on helmets and reflective vests.
- Use common sense. Anticipate motorists’ errors such as pulling out
of driveways without looking, making turns in front of you, or opening car doors into your
travel path. Be alert for road hazards such as drainage grates, potholes, glass, or other
debris.
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