The FDOT District Two Community Traffic Safety Program (CTSP) held a successful virtual bike/walk/run challenge during the week of April 23-30, 2022. The purpose was to share traffic safety tips and promote pedestrian and bicyclist safety in Northeast Florida.
The inaugural Traffic Safety Spring Bike/Walk/Run Virtual 5K was a great community outreach event encouraging everyone to get out and move for safety! The event helped educate motorists and vulnerable road users on safe habits while on the road. We reached over 1,400 social media impressions, interactions, and blog views. We also created a four-part message campaign that included over 4,000 emails sent to team members with traffic safety education and information.
In total, 43 participants registered and completed an individual 5K (3.1 miles) by cycling, walking, jogging, or running. Once completed, participants could upload their results to their race roster participant dashboard, download their finisher certificate, and receive a digital medal. The first 10 participants to upload their results received a Traffic Safety Team hat.
The event was held to promote safety tips for pedestrians and bicyclists:
- Wear bright colors. Increase your visibility and use bike lights/reflectors.
- See and be seen. Make eye contact with drivers when crossing streets.
- Be predictable. Cross streets where it is legal to do so.
- Stop! Look left, right, and left for traffic.
- Be prepared for the unexpected.
Let’s MOVE for SAFETY all year long! As you enjoy outdoor activities this summer, please stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, wear sunscreen and a hat, watch for signs of heat exhaustion, take plenty of breaks from the heat, and cool off by heading into a cooled space. Wherever you drive, for work, a long road trip, the neighborhood pool, or the beach, make sure to drive safe and share the road.
Tips for Motorists, Bicyclists and Pedestrians
Motorists:
- Share the road with bicyclists.
- Stop for pedestrians crossing at every intersection.
- Stop before turning right on red.
- Passing bicyclists too closely is dangerous and illegal.
- Focus on the road.
- Avoid aggressive driving.
- Obey the traffic laws, signals, and speed limits.
- Look in all directions before making a turn.
- Do not pass a vehicle that is stopping for pedestrians.
Bicyclists: Wear a helmet when biking. If a rider or passenger is under 16, they must wear a properly fitted helmet that securely fastens to the passenger’s head by a strap. Ride on the right side of the road, with traffic flow. Use bike lanes when available. Use hand signals when turning and obey all traffic signs and signals.
Walkers and Runners: Always cross the street at corners or crosswalks. Walk or run on the far left off the side of the road, facing traffic. Use sidewalks when available. Pay attention. Constantly look and listen for vehicles.
For more information on the event or about your FDOT District Two CTSP, please email us at TrafficSafetyTeam@dot.state.fl.us.