BIKEShare The Road
Bike Smart, Bike Safe
Tallahassee and Leon County residents are grabbing their bikes and hitting the streets and trails to stretch their legs, get to and from work, and perform other essential activities. Have you used your bike to pick up take out from your favorite restaurant? How about riding your bike to and from the grocery store, or to your place of employment? If it is your first time riding in a while, or even if you are a long time rider, explore BikeTallahassee.com for many great resources, such as a map of all the bicycle infrastructure in the City and County, and information below on how to ride responsibily.
Biking and other recreational activities are essential for better health and well-being. Stay healthy and safe, by following the local and federal guidelines for recreation and transportation.
Ride alone or in a small group and be courteous to other pedestrians and cyclists.
Practicing physical distancing can peserve your health and protect others.
Avoid community spread of infectious disease by keeping your bike riding and other outdoor acitivities in your neighborhood.
Be cautious and avoid unnecessary risks when you ride to reduce likelihood of injury that puts strain on our public safety individuals, and medical resources.
Bring all water, food, tools, and repair equipment with you. Plan ahead.
If using public spaces like parks or trails, choose off-peak times like early morning, or during the work day.
Being outdoors and active feels better than ever. Find new ways to appreciate the places you love, tag #TLHcando, and post ride photos.
If you're feeling unwell, stay at home. The trails and parks will be available when you're feeling better. Take care of yourself and your community.
Many may be discovering benefits of biking. Visit BikeTLH.com for routes, trails, and resources about biking in Leon County.
Be Courteous to Other Trail Users
Plan: Choose off-peak hours for riding to avoid crowded trails. Choose wider trails in order to safely pass other trail users.
Yield: Who has the right-of-way? Most of the trails we bike on are multi-use. Bikers yield to horses and foot traffic. When on a hill, descending riders yield to climbing riders. If it is your turn to yield (or even if it isn’t but you have chosen to), provide as much space as possible.
Communicate: Unplug, stay alert, slow down, and communicate with each other. Better yet, take the initiative to yield and offer space to pass.
We all have important places to be,
Let's get there together!
Pedestrians
• Alway walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic.
• Cross the road at crosswalks or designated midblock crossings.
• Don't rely solely on pedestrian signals. Look before you cross the road.
Bicyclists
• Ride with the flow of traffic, not against it.
• At night, ride with a white front light and a red tail light.
• Follow the rules of the road. Stop at redlights and stop signs. Obey all traffic signals.
Drivers
• Bicycles are legal vehicles. Wait until traffic conditions allow you to pass safely, giving them at least three feet.
• Obey speed limits and come to a complete STOP at stop signs.
• Never pass/overtake a vehicle that is stopped for pedestrians.
Midblock Crossing Tips
• Drivers - Flashing yellow lights mean STOP.
• Cyclists - Yield to all pedestrians.
• Pedestrians - Be visible to traffic.
How to fit a bike helmet
Under Florida law, a bicycle rider who is under 16 years of age must wear a bicycle helmet properly fitted, fastened securely. Is your helmet fit properly?
Bicycle Safety Check
Whether you ride every day, it is your first spin of the season, or you’re taking your bike down from a shelf and dusting off the cobwebs, there are a few things you need to check before EVERY ride. Our friends with the League of American Bicyclists show you how to get it done.