Safety Tips & Best Practices

Walk, bike, and roll with confidence. These tips and resources help ensure everyone can safely share the road and trail, whether you're on foot or wheels.

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Cyclist Safety

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Pedestrian Safety

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Trail Etiquette

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Parent/School Resources

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Safety for Cyclists

Riding a bike safely involves more than just wearing a helmet; it's about being alert, following the rules of the road, and sharing space responsibly. Explore additional tips and resources.

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Always Wear a Helmet

A properly fitted helmet reduces the risk of serious head injury. Florida law requires riders under 16 to wear one that meets federal safety standards.

Ride with Traffic

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Always bike in the same direction as traffic. This makes your movements more predictable and visible to drivers.

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Use Hand Signals

Signal when turning, changing lanes, or stopping to alert drivers and other cyclists of your intentions.

Always Wear a Helmet

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Be Visible

Use front and rear bike lights day and night, and wear bright or reflective gear. Avoid weaving in and out of traffic.

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Follow Road Signs

Cyclists must obey all traffic signs, signals, and lane markings. These rules are designed to keep everyone on the road safe and moving predictably.

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Yield to Pedestrians

Slow down and give ample space when passing pedestrians, especially on shared-use trails.

Does Your Helmet Fit Right?

A properly fitted helmet is essential for safety. Not sure if yours fits correctly? Check out the Proper Helmet Fit Guide from Alert Today Florida.

Safety for Pedestrians

Riding a bike safely involves more than just wearing a helmet; it's about being alert, following the rules of the road, and sharing space responsibly. Explore additional tips and resources.

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Trail Etiquette & Safety Tips

Whether you're on wheels or on foot, being courteous keeps everyone safe.

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Keep Right, Pass Left

Always stay to the right side of the trail and pass others on the left to maintain a safe flow of traffic.

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Give a Heads-Up

Use a bell or your voice to signal when you’re passing, so you don’t surprise others on the trail.

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Be Visible

Wear bright or reflective clothing and use lights at dawn, dusk, or night so others can see you clearly.

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Be Predictable

Maintain a steady pace and avoid sudden stops or changes in direction to help others safely anticipate your movements.

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Tools & Resources

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  • Cycling Resources

    Alert Today Florida – Bicycle Safety

    This site from the Florida Department of Transportation offers laws, safety tips, infographics, and campaign materials to help cyclists ride safer and smarter across Florida.


    Florida’s Pedestrian & Bicycling Safety Resource Center – Promotes safe pedestrian and bicycling activities for citizens and visitors, young and old, by providing educational materials and information to advocate groups in the state. Funded by FDOT.


    League of American Bicyclists – Ride Smart Videos

    A video series that covers essential bike safety topics including proper riding techniques, lane positioning, signaling, and more—ideal for new and experienced cyclists alike.


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  • Pedestrian Resources

    Alert Today Alive Tomorrow, FDOT – Florida’s Pedestrian & Bicycle Focused Initiative.


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  • Parent/School Resources

    iBikeSafe – free state-approved curriculum


    National Center for Safe Routes to School – Children deserve safe places to walk and bike — starting with the trip to school.


    Safe Routes Partnership – working to advance safe walking and rolling to and from schools and in everyday life, improving the health and well-being of people of all races, income levels, and abilities, and building healthy, thriving communities for everyone.

Report an Issue or Suggest a Trail Improvement

See something that needs fixing or want to suggest a connection? Contact your local parks and recreation department, or reach out to us.

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Trails, Maps, & Routes

Learn how to stay safe and courteous whether walking, biking, or rolling.

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Know the Law

Understand the rules of the road and trails for pedestrians and cyclists in Florida.

Clubs, Shops, & Organizations

Connect with local groups, small businesses, and organizations working to support active transportation.

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Advocacy & Community Action

Get involved in local efforts to create safer, more connected streets.

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