CCSO And FHP To Conduct Bicycle Safety Initiative

The Collier County Sheriff's Office and the Florida Highway Patrol have partnered up to conduct a Vulnerable Road User Detail on Wednesday, May 9 and Thursday, May 10 between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. This initiative will help to enhance the safety of cyclists, pedestrians and drivers. Deputies and troopers will focus on several areas including U.S. 41 East in-between Collier Boulevard and Goodlette-Frank Road and Bayshore Drive between Thomasson Drive and U.S. 41 East.

This initiative highlights May as Bicycle Safety Month. Riding a bicycle in traffic is a cooperative activity that requires following the rules and applying safe riding skills. Florida statutes govern bicycle traffic law as well as the operation of all vehicles operating on public roadways.

The CCSO and FHP offer the following safety tips:

* Cyclists traveling on roadways must ride in the lane marked for bicycle use or, if no path exists, travel as close as possible to the roadway's right-hand curb or edge, except when:

    1) Passing another bicycle or vehicle traveling in the same direction

    2) Preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway

    3) Maneuvering to avoid a fixed or moving object or hazard

    4) A lane is too narrow for a bicycle and another vehicle to travel safely side by side.

* Bicycle riders may not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of the roadway set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. Persons riding two abreast may not impede traffic.

* Cyclists traveling on sidewalks must also follow the same rules that pedestrians follow.

* Adhere to bicycle equipment and riding laws. Cyclists riding between sunset and sunrise must be equipped with lamps. Anyone under the age of 16 must wear a properly fitted and secured helmet. Cyclists must use a fixed, regular seat for riding and may not carry more persons than the bicycle is designed to carry. At least one hand must be kept on the handlebars while riding. All bicycles are required to have brakes in accordance with state statute.

Click here to learn more about CCSO's traffic safety initiatives.