| In the mid 1960's, Dade County established a bikeway system to
assist with mobility. In 1986, county commissioners adopted the Bicycle
Comprehensive Plan and later hired a full-time bicycle coordinator to
implement and oversee an area-wide bicycle program. Afterwards,
pedestrian issues were included to focus more attention on all
non-motorized transportation concerns. EDUCATION
Crashes involving bicyclists and pedestrians account for 40% of the
traffic fatalities in Miami-Dade County each year. To reduce the number
of pedestrians killed and injured the Bicycle/Pedestrian Program is
currently working with the
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration to make walking safer in neighborhoods that have the
largest numbers of crashes. Safety information for bicyclists is also
available for bike rodeos and other safety events hosted by hospitals,
police and community groups.
ENFORCEMENT
The bicycle is a legal roadway vehicle in all fifty states. In
Florida, cyclists must obey the same laws as motor vehicle operators.
Pedestrians also have their own legal rights and responsibilities:
- Drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing
within a crosswalk.
- Pedestrians may not walk into the path of a vehicle that is so
close that it is impossible for the driver to yield.
- Pedestrians crossing the road outside of a crosswalk must yield
the right-of-way to the all vehicles.
ENCOURAGEMENT
Each May is national "Bike Month" and “Bike to Work Week” in the US.
The MPO provides information and material to help people turn their
commute into a healthful and money-saving alternative to driving.
Also, the MPO also supports the annual “Walk to School Day” event
each October when parents are encouraged to walk with their children,
learn about pedestrian safety and also about the conditions children
face on their trip to school. It is never to early for kids to start
learning about traffic safety.
ENGINEERING
Creating safe places to walk and bicycle is the most important part
of the Bicycle Pedestrian Program. More than a hundred miles of paved
paths, bike lanes and unpaved trails exist in Miami-Dade. In addition,
most major streets and many neighborhood streets have sidewalks for safe
walking. Some recent and upcoming projects include:
The MPO’s Bicycle Facilities Plan helps identify new
projects and supports the use of bicycle and pedestrian safe designs on
all road projects.
Bicyclists also need safe places to park their bike at the end of
their trip. Since 2000, the county zoning code has required
that multi-family residential and commercial properties in the
unincorporated area provide secure bike parking close to their primary
entrance.
BIKE & RIDE
Miami-Dade Transit's Bike & Ride program allows you to bring your
bike onto Metrorail and
rack-equipped Metrobus. Bikes are
also allowed on all Tri-Rail trains with a valid Tri-Rail bike permit.
To obtain a permit call 1-800-TRI-RAIL or visit their
bicycle permit
webpage.
TRANSPORTATION SAFETY
Transportation safety is an important goal for the MPO. The 2030
Long
Range Transportation Plan says that:
Safety and security are important aspects that must be incorporated
into the transportation system. The Miami-Dade MPO and the implementing
agencies are committed to providing a safe and secure as well as an
efficient transportation system. |
