Miami’s Big Push for Bike Safety

Commuting by bicycle is a great way to get from here to there. Cycling is fantastic exercise and perfect for anyone who want to reduce their impact on the environment. Many more people would choose to commute by bike if it were more convenient. In many areas of the country, choosing to ride a bike instead of drive a car can either be too dangerous or, in the case of being forced to go out of your way, take too much time.

The city of Miami is hoping to change the perception and misconception of bike riding in its city. Yes, bike riding on a regular basis can be dangerous. In cities like Miami, however, it is being made not only safer, but more convenient. The city began changing the minds of its citizens with several initiatives put in place years ago. Now that biking in the city is catching on like wildfire, more people are beginning to see just what the city has done.

The city of Miami was awarded the distinction of being a Bronze Bicycle Friendly Community in 2012 by the League of American Bicyclists. Since then, they have amped their efforts to create a bicycle infrastructure, making the streets welcoming and safe for riders of all ages. Here is a brief outline of the ways that Miami has turned itself into one of the most bike-friendly cities in Florida.

1. Overtown/Wynwood Bicycle Pedestrian Plan

The central urban neighborhoods of Overtown and Wynwood have welcomed Miami’s bicycle pedestrian mobility plan. The neighborhoods have a unique set of challenges when it comes to mobility. Filled with shops, museums and more, it simply makes more sense for people to be able to enjoy a relaxing commute by bike or foot instead of having to take the family car. The neighborhoods have both been transformed into pedestrian and cyclist friendly areas, attracting visitors and new residents who are excited about the opportunity to utilize alternate transportation. We encourage anyone who has been injured, to contact a Miami bicycle injury lawyer as soon as possible.

2. Citi Bike

So you want to tour the city by bike, but you’re visiting and didn’t bring your own bicycle with you. You live in Miami, but don’t have anywhere to store a bike, so buying one doesn’t make sense. Take a Citi Bike!

There are stations located throughout the city where you can rent a bike for an hour. If you want to get off of the bike and explore local shops, simply park your bike at another station and when you are ready, take another as long as you are still within your hour’s rental period.

Users of Citi Bike can also subscribe to a membership. With a paid membership, users can remove a bike from any station for 30 minutes and unlimited number of times all day long. This is especially popular among commuters and those who plan on spending a day exploring the town.

3. BIKE305

BIKE305 is a great way to explore the Miami-Dade area. Level terrain and great weather make the community perfect for riding, walking and running. BIKE305 kicked off in 2013 and provides people with information about local bike trails: Rickenbacker, Old Cutler, Commodore and Biscayne.

4. Bicycle Master Plan

The city of Miami initiated a bicycle master plan in 2009 that included on-street bike facilities. These include buffered bike lanes, bike parking racks located throughout the city and bicycle-safety education classes. Because the city was awarded bronze recognition, they will work closely with the League of American Bicyclists to continue to evaluate the need for bicycle-friendly initiatives and put those initiatives in place. The city was awarded alongside other great cities in the country, including Los Angeles, Nashville and Philadelphia.

The city of Miami considers biking to be a fabulous alternative to driving and has taken active steps to ensure that riders are kept safe. If you have ever given thought to commuting by bicycle, there is no reason not to give it a try, especially if you live in or around Miami. The city offers a fantastic opportunity for anyone who is interested in riding a bicycle for commuting, recreation or exercise.

While the city has done several things to make sure that cyclists are safe on its roadways, there are things that you need to do to further ensure your safety. Always wear a properly-fitting helmet when you are riding a bike, make sure that you are visible by wearing brightly-colored clothing, use lights if you are riding in low-light, and follow the rules of the road.

No matter how safe you are, an accident can still occur. If you have been involved in a bicycle accident in Miami, you may be entitled to compensation depending on the circumstances of your accident. Call our office and allow a member of our team to review the details of your accident at no cost to you. We will advise you of your options and help you take the next steps.