E-Bike Safety

Posted on 07/01/2026 by Traffic Safety Team

Safety for Electric Bicycles, Scooters, and Unicycles

Electric bikes and e-scooters continue to grow in popularity across Northeast Florida, especially among younger riders traveling through neighborhoods and to and from school. As use increases, education and safety awareness remain a priority concern for our communities.

Below are free resources to download, print, and share. To support the outreach and education efforts of our Northeast Florida District Two Traffic Safety Team, agencies, schools, and partners, we offer our NEW folded “E-Bike + E-Scooter Safety Tips” bi-fold flyers at no cost. District Two CTST members may click here to order online, while supplies last.

Help encourage safer riding habits and smarter choices, including:
• Helmet use and visibility
• Riding responsibly and obeying traffic laws
• Slowing down around pedestrians
• Hand signals and safe passing
• Staying alert and distraction-free
• Courtesy and shared responsibility on roads, sidewalks, and shared paths

The handout encourages riders to “Ride Smart” by focusing on safe behaviors that help prevent crashes and injuries. The materials are ideal for school programs, community events, youth outreach, law enforcement education efforts, neighborhood initiatives, and safety campaigns.

E-Bike Safety Materials

We have gathered e-bike safety recommendations, tips, and guidelines. Please use and share these materials, videos, and information to help improve safety and encourage safe use of e-bikes and other micromobility devices.

E-Bike Safety Discussion — *Basic Safety Tips for Electric Device Users*

e-bike safety tip card — *4×6 Helmet and E-Bike Safety Tip Card*

*E-Bikes in Florida: Red-White-Blue Design [FDOT Target Zero America PDF]*

E-bike Safety 8.5x11 Trifold Brochure ATAT thumbnail — *E-Bikes in Florida: What Parents Should Know* [FDOT Target Zero ATAT PDF]

Alert Today, Alive Tomorrow's Safety Reminders for Electric Bicycles and More — *Alert Today, Alive Tomorrow*‘s Safety Reminders for Electric Bicycles and More

Alert Today, Alive Tomorrow's Categories for Electric Bicycles and More — Know the Different Categories and Rules for Electric Bicycles & More

TraumaOne's Protect Your Brain E-Bike Safety — Protect Your Brain – E-Bike Safety from UF Health, TraumaOne

E-Bike Safety Road Rules

Classifications of E-Bikes

Fire Hazard Warning

E-Bike Study Jacksonville Beaches TPO 2026 Cover — North Florida TPO Beaches E-Bike Study [PDF]

Beaches E-Bike Study

In July 2026, the North Florida Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) released this E-Bike Study for Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, and Atlantic Beach. This study was undertaken in response to the local need for greater clarity, consistency, and safety regarding micromobility operations. It evaluates how E-Bikes and other forms of micromobility are currently being used throughout the Beaches municipalities, what safety issues are emerging, how existing federal, state, and local policies frame micromobility operations, and what strategies may be available to improve outcomes for riders and non-riders alike.

This study is organized into five sections:

Current Trends in E-Bike Usage
Existing Laws and Policies
Safety Analysis
Public Outreach
Recommendations

Since 2023, we have held Districtwide Discussions regarding electric micromobility devices and safety. In 2025, we hosted another e-bike safety discussion with members of our District Two Traffic Safety Team to address ongoing concerns and rising injuries. As the use of e-bikes and e-scooters continues to grow, your participation in these conversations helps shape a more informed and proactive approach to addressing emerging challenges on our roads.

With expert insights and local perspectives, member engagement made this a valuable and productive meeting. A special thank-you to our presenters: Mark Sekelsky and Brian Benwick of the North Florida Bicycle Club; Rebecca Melvin, Trauma Injury Prevention, Education and Outreach Coordinator at UF Health Jacksonville; and Jackie Morrison, Community Health Educator and Safe Kids Northeast Florida Coordinator at Wolfson Children’s Hospital.

Here are links to the presentation, which includes our presenter’s slides, along with additional resources:

E-Bike Safety Meeting 08-06-25: Click here for the presentation slides [PDF]
Florida Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Coalition’s Professionals Webpage with Micromobility Model Legislation
Florida Bicycle Safety Quiz: https://flbikesafetyquiz.com/
E-Bike Riding Skills and Safety Training Course: https://ebikecourse.com
Kids Modifying Ebikes: Why These Dangerous Bike Hacks Put Teens at Risk, by American Bicycling Education Association (ABEA)
ABEA’s Cycling Savvy e-bike course for Teens

We have been addressing e-bike concerns since the early 2020s. In 2022, we created a presentation on micromobility, discussing terms, usage, and safety challenges nationally and in Northeast Florida. In 2023, we held multiple district-wide meetings addressing roadway concerns and issues regarding micromobility—specifically electric bicycles, scooters, unicycles, and golf carts or low-speed vehicles. Undoubtedly, tackling these safety concerns, from educating the public to tracking e-bike/scooter/unicycle crashes, trauma injuries, and enforcing local ordinances, will take a group effort.

Senate Bill 462 – Transportation was approved by Governor Ron DeSantis. The bill [Chapter No. 2025-149] went into effect on July 1, 2025, and will give local governments the authority to adopt additional regulations related to electric bicycles.

Key provisions of SB 462 include allowing local governments to:

Adopt ordinances establishing minimum age requirements for operating an electric bicycle.
Require operators of electric bicycles to possess government-issued IDs while riding.
Provide training on the safe operation of e-bikes and compliance with relevant traffic laws.

Legislation filed in November 2025 was VETOED by Governor Ron DeSantis: CS/SB 382: Micromobility Device

Senate Bill 382 [passed by Florida Senate and House, vetoed by Governor] – Micromobility Device; Providing requirements for the operation of electric bicycles; prohibiting the operation of an electric bicycle above a certain speed under certain circumstances; creating the Micromobility Device Safety Task Force adjunct to the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles; requiring the Florida Highway Patrol and each police department and sheriff’s office to maintain a certain list, beginning on a certain date, etc.

Please take a moment to review the resources, local ordinances, Florida law, and news article links below related to e-bike safety. Check out input from CTST member Brian Benwick of the North Florida Bicycle Club. Also, please read “An Approach to E-Bike Safety” by CTST member Antonia Donnelly.

Multi-Lane Roundabouts

Posted on 06/03/2026 by Traffic Safety Team

Written by Brian Benwick. In this guest article, Traffic Safety Team member, traffic safety advocate, and North Florida Bicycle Club member Brian Benwick shares insights and real-world experience from a cyclist’s perspective. His story sparks discussion about right-of-way, lane positioning, and yielding in multi-lane roundabouts. [Click here to download a PDF of Benwick’s article.]

Multi-lane roundabouts can be tricky

While on a repeating club bicycle ride recently, in St Johns County, as our paceline approached a multi-lane roundabout off 16A, a vehicle had entered the circle and was within the inner lane of the circle before we arrived.

As our group of cyclists planned to take the first right exit of the roundabout, the leader proceeded into the roundabout without yielding/stopping, taking the outside lane. This appeared to have confused the motorist in the inside lane, who suddenly stopped mid-circle for safety’s sake. No one fell or hit the vehicle, and no injuries or physical damage were incurred.

Had there been a crash, how would you have framed the incident? Who, if anyone, had the right-of-way? Would the motorist have been cited if not stopping for the cyclist(s), as we are vulnerable road users, or would the cyclist(s) be responsible for failing to yield to the vehicle that was the first party to enter the multi-lane roundabout? Did our paceline violate any traffic rules here? The multi-lane design has sparked a debate among the group that believes the “first-come, first-served” rule for single-lane roundabouts does not apply to multi-lane roundabouts.

But this assumed reasoning is incorrect. According to the Federal Highway Administration, cyclists and drivers must yield to traffic in ALL LANES, not just in the lane closest to them, or the one they are entering. See the third picture in the illustration below. Note, when on roads, cyclists must obey the same traffic rules that apply to motorists.

Common sense would indicate that you really can’t predict if or when the motorist occupying the roundabout will need to switch lanes in front of you.

Efficiency and safety of multi-lane roundabouts

In general, roundabouts reduce traffic wait by 20% or more. They reduce potential conflicts from 32 to 8 at a light-signal intersection. And they are more efficient. Local ordinances on these types of circles can vary, but after checking our four surrounding counties, I found no changes to the Federal or FDOT standardized traffic rules in our biking area. Some roundabouts have sign and pavement-marking controls; others may not, but the following traffic rules generally apply in all cases.

Cyclists and motorists are supposed to use signals before changing lanes inside the roundabout, aka traffic circle, rotary, or roundpoint, but we often forget to do so.

Still unsure about all of the roundabout traffic rules of behavior?

FDOT Multi-Lane Roundabouts — *Multi-lane Roundabout Handout by FDOT [PDF]*

Follow these guidelines:

1. Scope out the circle as you approach the roundabout yield signs, which can be mounted vertically, and/or painted in a stringed row of what looks like upside-down pennants. You should stop completely, especially if a motorist has already entered the circle from the nearest exit to your left. Remember, they have the right-of-way.

2. Enter the roundabout lane, which leads you to your intended and continued direction.

3. Stay in the outer lane if you plan to take the first exit in the circle.

4. Yield when in the presence of a truck. Let them pass you. They have large blind spots, and their mirrors often cannot see you. Avoid being side-swiped and wait for the larger vehicles to pass.

5. Change lanes where dashed lines begin or only when it is safe to do so, unless signs and/or pavement markings prohibit the behavior.

6. “Take the lane,” aka control the lane prior to and while within the roundabout, positioning yourself in the left track of the outer lane when preparing to exit.

7. In extra-heavy traffic, especially during solo rides, consider dismounting and walking your bike across the pavement-marked centerline or crosswalks from the adjoining sidewalks. Motorists, as well as road cyclists, must always stop and yield to pedestrians, such as those walking their bikes.

8. Signal your intentions before changing lanes and when exiting the circle, if it is safe for you to do so, with only one arm available to steer and brake.

9. Yield to emergency vehicles entering the circle by pulling over at the far side of the next splitter island. Foot down.

10. Slow down to 10-20 mph when using a roundabout (posted speeds may vary). The old racing trick of speeding around corners should not be practiced in roundabouts.

11. Don’t stop when negotiating the roundabout, if possible. And never back up. These circles are organically designed for continuous traffic flow. Always travel in a counterclockwise direction when in the United States.

12. Watch out for the right hook cut off as reaction times, distances, hand signals, and blinker duration are much shorter (if even existent) in roundabouts than on straight roads.

13. If you miss your exit due to heavy traffic, circle around again until you can safely exit.

Safety challenge

I challenge you all to convert the above guidelines into muscle memory. You probably now know more than most about the inferred traffic rules of roundabout behavior. However, don’t let your fear of harassment of those who don’t understand the tricks of roundabouts to muddy your decision to be safe. Don’t bet with your life.

FHWA Multi-Lane Roundabouts rules — *FHWA ROUNDABOUT Rules [PDF]*

We hope you find this article helpful in navigating multi-lane roundabouts safely, whether biking or driving.

Additional roundabout resources:

Bicycle FAQs

Posted on 05/11/2026 by Traffic Safety Team

Bicycling plays an important role in creating safer, healthier, and more connected communities. As more people ride for transportation, recreation, fitness, and commuting, understanding how bicycle facilities operate and how bicyclists and motorists safely interact becomes increasingly important. Here, we are answering some common bicycle FAQs. From bicycle lanes and shared-use paths to traffic laws and intersection markings, every part of the transportation system works together to improve predictability and reduce conflicts.

Safe System Approach and Bicycle FAQs

Florida’s transportation system continues to evolve through the Safe System Approach, a traffic safety philosophy that recognizes people make mistakes and that the transportation network should help prevent those mistakes from resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. Instead of placing all responsibility on individual road users, the Safe System Approach promotes shared responsibility among engineers, planners, law enforcement, educators, policymakers, and all roadway users.

Bicycle facilities support this approach by organizing movement and increasing visibility for everyone on the road. Features such as buffered and protected bike lanes, green conflict-zone pavement markings, shared-use paths, and clearly marked merge areas help reduce confusion and improve awareness at potential conflict points. At the same time, Florida bicycle laws establish predictable rules and expectations for bicyclists and motorists alike.

Safety Spotlight FAQs: Bicycle Facilities

Bicycle Facilities FAQs — Safety Spotlight FAQs: Bicycle Facilities [PDF]

What is a bicycle lane, and who should use it?

A striped portion of the roadway marked with bicycle symbols for bicyclist use only.

Cyclists: Use the bike lane when traveling slower than traffic unless avoiding hazards, preparing for a turn, or when conditions require leaving the lane. Travel in the same direction as traffic.
Motorists: Do not drive or park in the bicycle lane. You may cross it when turning or entering a driveway, but you must yield to bicyclists traveling within the lane before turning.

What is a buffered bicycle lane?

A bicycle lane including a painted 1 to 2 feet buffer space marked with diagonal striping to increase separation between bicyclists and vehicles.

Cyclists: Ride within the marked bicycle lane portion. Use caution when entering or exiting the lane.
Motorists: Do not drive, stop, or park in either the bicycle lane or the buffer. The buffer is not an additional travel lane.

What is a protected bicycle lane?

A bicycle lane separated from vehicle traffic by physical elements such as curbs, delineators, raised separators, or on-street parking.

Cyclists: Remain within the protected space and follow traffic control devices at intersections.
Motorists: Do not enter the protected lane except at designated crossings.

What is a sharrow?

A bicycle symbol with double chevrons placed in a travel lane to indicate that bicyclists may use the full lane.

Cyclists: Position yourself near the marking to improve visibility and reduce door opening risk from parked vehicles.
Motorists: Expect bicyclists in the travel lane. Do not attempt to pass within the same narrow lane. Provide at least three feet of clearance when overtaking.

Why do bicycle lane lines change from solid to dashed near intersections?

The change from a solid to a dashed bicycle lane line near an intersection indicates a merging area where motor vehicles may legally cross the bicycle lane to prepare for a right turn. The solid line upstream indicates that vehicles should not enter the bicycle lane except where legally permitted.

Cyclists: When approaching an intersection with dashed lane markings, anticipate that vehicles may merge into the bicycle lane to turn right. Be alert for turn signals and vehicle movement. Do not pass a right-turning vehicle on the right.
Motorists: When the bicycle lane line becomes dashed, you may merge into the bicycle lane when safe and permitted to prepare for your right turn. Before merging, check mirrors and blind spots, signal your intent, and yield to bicyclists traveling straight. Complete the turn from the curb line. Do not turn across a bicycle lane from the through lane.

What do green pavement markings mean?

Portions of bicycle lanes are painted green to highlight areas where bicycle and motor vehicle paths cross or overlap, such as near right-turn lanes, driveways, or merge areas. The green color increases visibility and alerts all users to the need for extra caution in that location. Green pavement does not change right-of-way rules. It reinforces awareness and clarifies where interactions between bicyclists and motorists are expected.

Cyclists: Continue through the green area predictably and obey traffic control devices. Be alert for vehicles preparing to turn or merge across your path.
Motorists: The green section signals a potential conflict zone. Check mirrors and blind spots, signal your intent, and yield to bicyclists when turning across the marked area. Do not block or stop within the green zone unless required by traffic control.

What is a shared-use path, and how does it operate?

A facility physically separated from the roadway and shared by bicyclists and pedestrians.

Cyclists: Yield to pedestrians, travel at a prudent speed, keep right, and pass on the left only after giving an audible signal.
Motorists: Motor vehicles are generally prohibited except for authorized access.

Safety Spotlight FAQs: Bicyclists – Rules of the Road

Bicyclists Rules of the Road FAQs — Safety Spotlight FAQs: Bicyclists Laws [PDF]

Are bicyclists required to follow the same traffic laws as drivers?

Yes. Under Florida law, a bicycle is legally considered a vehicle, and the person operating it has all the rights and duties applicable to a driver of a vehicle, except where those duties do not apply to bicycles. This means bicyclists must obey traffic control devices, stop and yield signs, red lights, and other roadway rules just like motorists.

Where should a bicyclist ride on the roadway?

When traveling slower than the normal speed of traffic and a bike lane exists, bicyclists should ride in the designated bike lane. If no bike lane exists, they must ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway. “Practicable” means reasonable under the conditions, and cyclists may leave the right edge to avoid hazards, pass another vehicle, prepare for a left turn, or when the lane is too narrow for a bicycle and a vehicle to travel side by side safely.

Can bicyclists ride on sidewalks?

Yes, except where local ordinances prohibit it. When riding on sidewalks or in crosswalks, bicyclists have the same rights and duties as pedestrians. They must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and give an audible signal, such as a bell, horn, or verbal warning, before passing. Drivers entering or exiting driveways must yield to bicyclists on sidewalks.

Do motorists have to give bicyclists space when passing?

Yes. Florida law requires motorists to provide at least three feet of clearance when overtaking a bicyclist. Drivers must pass at a safe distance and only when it is clear to do so.

Why do bicyclists sometimes ride in the middle of the lane?

Bicyclists are entitled to the full use of a lane when conditions make it unsafe for a vehicle and a bicycle to travel side by side, such as narrow lanes, obstacles, parked vehicles, or when preparing for a left turn or passing another bike or slow vehicle. In such cases, occupying the center of the lane improves visibility and safety.

What equipment is required on a bicycle?

Florida law requires:

Brakes capable of stopping the bicycle within 25 feet from 10 mph on dry, level pavement.
A white front light visible from at least 500 feet, a red rear light, and a reflector visible from at least 600 feet between sunset and sunrise.
A bicycle may only carry the number of riders for which it is designed and equipped.

Are helmets required?

Yes, for riders under age 16, they must wear a properly fitted, securely fastened helmet that meets recognized safety standards. Helmet use is strongly encouraged for all ages.

Can bicyclists ride two abreast?

Yes. Two bicyclists may ride side by side within a single lane. They must not impede the normal flow of traffic and should ride single file when conditions require vehicles to pass safely. If a bike lane is too narrow to accommodate two abreast, riders must use a single file.

Are bicyclists required to signal turns?

Yes. Bicyclists must use standard hand signals to indicate turns or stops. Signals should be given continuously during the last 100 feet before turning when practicable.

These Frequently Asked Questions highlight common bicycle facilities, roadway rules, and safety expectations. By understanding how these facilities work and the laws, we can improve cooperation, visibility, and safety for all road users as we work together toward Florida’s Target Zero goal of eliminating fatal and serious injury crashes.

Note: The information above only highlights common and frequently misunderstood road rules for bicyclists. Bicycle traffic laws are primarily found in Chapter 316 of the Florida Statutes, including §316.2065.

Other Bicycle Traffic Safety Resources

Important Bicycle Safety Tips and Resources
Micromobility in Northeast Florida
Safety for Electric Bicycles, Scooters, and Unicycles
Bicycle and Electric Device Safety Road Rules videos on Driving Tips for Teens.

Bicycle Lanes

Posted on 06/23/2025 by Traffic Safety Team

Bicycle Lanes: Why We Don’t Always Have Them—and Why They Matter

If you’ve ever looked at a busy street in your neighborhood and wondered, “Why don’t we have bicycle lanes here?” You’re not alone. Whether you’re a daily rider, a parent, a planner, or simply someone who wants safer streets, bike lanes are a frequent topic of discussion.

Why Don’t We Just Build More—and Better—Bike Lanes?

Even when there’s strong support for adding bike lanes, they can’t always be installed everywhere. There are a few good reasons why. In some places, there simply isn’t enough space to add a bike lane without removing on-street parking or vehicle travel lanes, which can create other community concerns. Design standards also play a big role.

Florida’s Design Manual sets strict requirements for things like lane width, visibility, and roadside clearance. If a road doesn’t meet those standards, a bike lane might not be allowed. Then there are legal restrictions: for example, highways and limited-access roadways are off-limits to bicycles under Florida law.

And of course, funding is always a factor. Transportation budgets are limited, so bike lane projects are usually prioritized where there’s a clear safety issue or high demand. Even once bike lanes are in place, they’re not a one-and-done deal. They require ongoing maintenance, including sweeping, repainting faded markings, and keeping the lanes clear of obstructions.

What Is a Bike Lane?

Not all bicycle accommodations are the same. While the term ‘bike lane’ is commonly used, it actually refers to only one type of bicycle facility. According to the Florida Department of Transportation Design Manual (FDM), a bicycle facility is any feature designed to support and accommodate bicycle travel. This includes a range of infrastructure treatments, such as bike lanes, keyhole lanes, paved shoulders, separated bicycle lanes, shared-use paths, bicycle ramps, and specialized intersection treatments like bicycle boxes and two-stage turn boxes. Each serves a different purpose depending on traffic, roadway conditions, and user needs—which is why it’s important to understand how bike lanes fit within the broader bicycle network.

Types of Bicycle Facilities

Bicycle Network and Lane Types — *(Source: FHWA)*

A bike lane is a part of the road marked off just for people riding bicycles. You’ll usually see white lines, bike symbols, and sometimes green paint or buffer zones. These lanes help create a safe and predictable space for riders—so they’re not squeezed between moving cars or forced onto sidewalks. Florida follows specific standards outlined in the FDM and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) when designing bike lanes.

While they might look similar at first glance, there’s an important difference between a designated bike lane and a paved shoulder. A bike lane is a specifically marked and signed part of the roadway reserved for bicycle use. It includes pavement markings like the bike symbol and directional arrows, and often signage letting drivers know it’s there. In contrast, a paved shoulder is primarily meant for emergency stopping or vehicle recovery, but it can sometimes serve as a bicycle facility if it meets certain width and safety requirements. However, if it’s not marked as a bike lane, it doesn’t offer the same level of recognition or legal protection for cyclists.

Why Bike Lanes Matter

Bike lanes provide more than convenience. They’re about safety, access, and choices. They make it easier and safer for bicyclists to get to school, work, the store, or a park. This is especially on busy streets. And they serve a wide range of people: students biking to class, parents riding with their kids, older adults getting exercise, people who don’t own a car, tourists exploring town, and workers commuting or making deliveries.

Bike lanes also reduce vehicle congestion, cut down emissions, and make neighborhoods more walkable and livable. That’s why agencies like the FHWA and FDOT support better bike infrastructure as part of Complete Streets policies.

Advocacy groups, such as Bike Florida, North Florida Bicycle Club, and local cycling coalitions, as well as residents, champion for safer bike infrastructure. They help shed light on bike safety issues. Their efforts often lead to positive change. Even when local agencies agree on the need, they often face tough limitations. Some include right-of-way issues, funding constraints, outdated road designs, or legal barriers. Understanding the why can help communities work together on how to make things better.

Understanding Bicycle Lane Features and Design Treatments

Bike lanes come in many forms. What works on a quiet residential street may not work on a six-lane urban arterial. More communities are pushing for protected lanes, especially in high-traffic areas, based on new guidance from the FHWA Bikeway Selection Guide and modern safety research. Designing bicycle lanes involves more than painting a white line on the roadway. Effective bicycle facilities are built with safety, visibility, and predictability in mind. The FDM outlines a range of features to consider when implementing bicycle lanes. Each is tailored to reduce conflicts and improve user experience for all road users, not just cyclists.

Here’s a breakdown of some key components:

Pavement Markings

Bike lanes are marked using a helmeted bicyclist symbol and directional arrow at the start of the lane, after major intersections, and within keyholes. Green-colored pavement helps highlight potential conflict areas, especially where bikes cross vehicle paths or near bus bays.

Signage

Signage such as ‘Bike Lane Ahead’ and ‘Bike Lane Ends’ enhance awareness and regulatory clarity.

Keyhole Lanes

Keyhole lanes guide bicyclists through areas with right-turn lanes or parking bays. Typically buffered and at least 5 feet wide, these lanes allow for continuous through movement. Pavement markings and width adjust based on geometry and available space.

How to Ride Them

Using a bicycle lane is relatively straightforward, but there are a few essential considerations to keep in mind for staying safe and predictable on the road. First, always ride in the same direction as traffic. Bicycle lanes are one-way facilities that flow alongside vehicles, not against them. Ride toward the center of the bike lane to avoid road debris and the opening doors of parked cars.

As you approach intersections or driveways, be extra alert for turning vehicles that may cross into your path. If the bike lane shifts into a keyhole configuration near a right-turn lane, continue riding straight and predictably through the designated space. It’s also important to use hand signals when turning or changing lanes so drivers and other riders know what you’re doing.

Obey all traffic signals and signs, just like you would if you were driving. And don’t forget—if you’re crossing a crosswalk or shared space, yield to pedestrians. Staying aware and predictable helps everyone share the road more safely.

Sources:
Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)
Florida Design Manual
FHWA Bikeway Selection Guide

Micromobility

Posted on 11/28/2022 by Traffic Safety Team

Micromobility usage is on the rise nationally and in Florida. The FDOT District Two’s Community Traffic Safety Program examined what Micromobility currently looks like in Northeast Florida. In this presentation, we will discuss what micromobility is—and isn’t. We will look at the increased popularity of micromobility nationally and its use in Northeast Florida and consider some of the safety challenges associated with the increased use of micromobility devices while keeping in mind the goal of ZERO fatalities on our roadways.

Micromobility video presentation:

How micromobility is defined is important because the functional and legal definitions determine the rights and responsibilities of micromobility device users operating on public streets and, accordingly, how law enforcement, public safety educators, and transportation planners and engineers can work to help improve safety outcomes.

From an industry perspective, they must be:

fully or partially electrically powered.
lightweight, under 500 pounds.
relatively low-speed—under 30 miles per hour.

Examples include powered bicycles, also known as “E-bikes,” standing scooters, seated scooters, self-balancing boards like “Segways” and some “Hoverboards,” non-self-balancing boards, powered skates, and a range of other similar devices.

We highlight Florida Statutes and how micromobility is defined in Florida law. We discuss local regulation and Florida’s “Home Rule” principle. As a result, local governments can prohibit use on trails and sidewalks and regulate “for-hire” devices up to and including prohibition.

Flip through the presentation slides:

In five years, from 2016 to 2019, the use of shared, for-hire devices has increased more than seven-fold. Use accelerates as fleets of scooters and e-bikes are deployed in more cities.

While electric devices differ from “Active Transportation” modes like walking and pedaling a bike, the safety and infrastructure focus are similar. Micromobility devices are treated the same as traditional bicycles from a legal perspective because they generally have similar speed, maneuverability, and weight. Accordingly, strategies to enhance bicyclist safety, as well as strategies to make streets safer for pedestrians, will generally benefit micromobility users as well.

The infrastructure options to make micromobilty safe and effective are similar to those for cycling —namely, lower-stress facilities. Accordingly, networks that include low-stress facilities such as protected bike lanes, shared-use paths, bike boulevards, and cycle tracks will be more appealing to and improve the safety outcomes of a broader group of conventional bicycle and micromobility users.

Shared micromobility services are not currently as common in Northeast Florida as in other parts of the state. To date, three communities have active contracts with micromobility providers.

Safety challenges are similar to bicycles. However, an E-bike or powered scooter can attain relatively high speeds faster and with little effort. Lack of experience is another critical factor.

Safety strategies include applying bicycle and pedestrian countermeasures. These include pedestrian safe crossings, low-stress bike infrastructure, and encouraging the use of helmets and safety equipment.

Our Community Traffic Safety Team members play an essential role in developing and implementing strategies to address these safety challenges. This includes working with local governments to include best-practice provisions in micromobility vendor contracts concerning geofencing and management of the public right-of-way; planning, designing, and construction of low-stress bicycle infrastructure to provide for overall mobility advantages; and working with businesses, chambers of commerce, and local law enforcement to provide educational material to tourists and other potentially inexperienced micromobility users.

We hope you take this opportunity to learn about Micromobility. Additionally, check out bicycle and pedestrian safety resources and tips.

“E-scooters, which were a novelty just a few years ago, are here to stay. Everyone deserves to feel safe on the road, and we must do more to prioritize safety for this growing mode of travel.”
GHSA Executive Director Jonathan Adkins