Get Out and Move for Safety!

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.

Virtual race logo

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

Share the Road

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.

VIRTUAL Traffic Safety Spring Bike/Walk/Run

FREE VIRTUAL EVENT
April 23, 2022 – April 30, 2022
Get out and move for safety!

FDOT District 2 Community Traffic Safety Program invites you to join the traffic safety movement with this fun bike, walk or run challenge – our first ever VIRTUAL Traffic Safety Spring Bike/Walk/Run!

We created this event to raise awareness about the importance of traffic, pedestrian and bicycle safety. In 2021, there were 875 pedestrian-related crashes in our Northeast Florida counties; 92 of those were fatalities. There were 500 bike-related crashes in 2021, which includes 13 fatalities. By working together, we can reduce injuries and save lives on our roadways! 

VIRTUAL Traffic Safety Spring Bike/Walk/Run Rules

Complete your own 5K – that’s 3.1 miles and a great distance for beginners or exercise regulars. You can choose to cycle or two-foot it by walking, jogging, or running. If you choose to cycle, please be sure to wear a helmet! You may finish your 5K on any day, at any time, and from any location – starting on Saturday, April 23 and ending on Saturday, April 30.

Important: This event is virtual only. The registration page and emails you receive will note that the event is taking place in Jacksonville, however, there is no in-person race. 

REGISTER HERE for the VIRTUAL Traffic Safety Spring Bike/Walk/Run

Invite your family and friends to join the Traffic Safety Spring Bike/Walk/Run. Be one of the FIRST 10 PARTICIPANTS to upload their results to the dashboard and WIN a FREE Traffic Safety Team hat! Everyone is a winner and will receive a FINISHER certificate. Most importantly, we want you to BE SAFE and HAVE FUN! Be sure to check out our Pedestrian Safety Tips and our Bike Safety Tips before your challenge!

Important Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Reminders for Motorists

“If only I’d been watching for pedestrians.” No Regrets When You DRIVE WITH CARE

Pedestrians are a vulnerable road user. Whether walking for enjoyment, exercise or engaged in work on the roadway, they need to be safe. Our goal is to increase driver awareness and education of pedestrian traffic safety. When driving, always remember to:

  • Stop for pedestrians crossing at every intersection.
  • Be sure to stop before tuning right on red. 
  • Look in all directions before making a turn. 
  • Do not pass a vehicle that is stopping for pedestrians.
  • Obey the traffic laws, signals and speed limits.

“If only I’d been watching for bicyclists.” No Regrets When You SHARE THE ROAD

With more and more people riding bikes as a means of transportation, exercise and recreation, it’s important for drivers and riders to be extra careful and obey the rules of the road. Drivers should always follow these basic traffic guidelines:

  • Share the road with bicyclists.
  • Stop before turning right on red.
  • Passing bicyclists too closely is dangerous and illegal. You must give 3 feet when following or passing cyclists.
  • Focus on the road. 
  • Avoid aggressive driving.
  • Obey the traffic laws, signals and speed limits.

Click here to download a printable bike and pedestrian safety flyer for motorists.


Safety Tips for Bicyclists and Pedestrians

  • 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.

Bicyclists: Wear a helmet when biking. If a rider or passenger is under 16, they must wear a helmet that is properly fitted that securely fastens to the passenger’s head by a strap. Ride on the right side of the road, with the flow of traffic. 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.

Click here to for more bicycle and pedestrian safety tips.