NEW BICYCLE DETECTION SYSTEM Broward County is Testing New Detection and Signalization System for Bicycle Traffic on County Roadways

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1 NEW BICYCLE DETECTION SYSTEM Broward County is Testing New Detection and Signalization System for Bicycle Traffic on County Roadways April 4, 2017 PILOT PROJECT BIKE DETECTION AND DEDICATED BIKE SIGNALS The purpose of the first phase of the pilot project is to simply introduce the bike signals to the public so they can get familiar with seeing them, and also to evaluate the effectiveness of the bike detection. Image below detects cyclist in left arrow lane and shows cyclist through the turn phase with coordinated signalization. Bicycle Detection System Installed at Two Weston Traffic Signals Broward County has installed an enhanced bicycle detection system at two intersections in Weston: Saddle Club Road & Royal Palm Boulevard/Glades Parkway (all directions), and Indian Trace & Saddle Club Road (North and South directions only) The bike detection system has the ability to detect cyclists from other traffic in shared traffic lanes, as well as in designated bike lanes. If a bike is detected, the signal controller will provide timings more suitable for a cyclist to safely clear the intersection, and, in the future, it would trigger bike signal indications. The system can also count and record the number of cyclists, which is helpful for traffic engineers to analyze the traffic patterns of cyclists and make adjustments as needed. The next step will be to install bicycle signal indicators (shown here) for the two intersections with the bike detection. For the pilot phase, the bike indicators will operate with the same timing as the adjacent vehicle lane indicators; therefore, the green bicycle signals will be displayed at the same time as regular green signal indicators of the adjacent through lanes (same for yellow and red). After reviewing this new concept, the public will be advised of further enhancements.

2 March 14, 2017 MOTORISTS & CYCLISTS SHARE THE ROAD Bike Month: Things to Do at a Park Near You March is Florida Bicycle Month and there are a variety of fitness and education-centered events for riders of all ages to enjoy at various parks throughout Broward County. The purpose of Florida Bike Month is to promote bicycle safety and education; to provide recreational bicycling opportunities for all ages and abilities; and to offer competitive/challenging cycling opportunities throughout Broward County. Click here for a list of activities at Broward County Parks. ~ LEARN MORE ~ FLORIDA S BICYCLE TRAFFIC LAW City of Weston Bicycle Friendly Community Florida Department of Transportation Alert Today Alive Tomorrow Pedestrian & Bicycle Focused Initiative The City of Weston is proud to be recognized as a Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists -- one of 21 in the state of Florida. The program recognizes communities, businesses and universities that make efforts to ensure bicycling is a safe and viable transportation option. Weston is an ideal community for cycling, offering over 46 miles of marked bike lanes to assist bicyclists to get to their destination safely. Weston s Parks offer Fixit Bike Repair Stations which provide the tools necessary to make simple repairs.

3 CYCLISTS REPAIR BIKES ON THE GO FIXIT BIKE REPAIR STATIONS NOW AVAILABLE IN FIVE CITY PARKS Over the last year, the City of Weston Parks and Recreation Department has installed Fixit Bike Repair Stations in five City parks to assist cyclists with simple repairs. The Fixit Bike Repair Station includes all of the tools necessary to perform basic bike repairs and maintenance, from changing a flat to adjusting brakes and derailleurs. The tools and air pump are attached to a stand with stainless steel cables. Hanging a bike from the hanger arms allows the pedals and wheels to spin freely while making adjustments. Three stations were installed last year, and two additional stations were recently installed at Peace Mound Park and Emerald Estates Park. Among the features of the Fixit: A QR code takes smart phone users to a comprehensive bike repair web site. Philips and flat head screwdrivers Allen wrenches Headset and pedal wrench Tire levers Bike Fixit Stations are located at: July 26, 2016 Peace Mound Park Emerald Estates Park Gator Run Park (along Glades Parkway) Library Park (along Bonaventure Boulevard) Weston Regional Park near the basketball courts, adjacent to where most weekend bikers park their cars before heading out for a ride. For tips and information on cycling safety and more, visit the Weston website Bicycle Friendly Community page.

4 SAFETY FIRST May 10, 2016 BSO JOINED GATOR RUN ELEMENTARY ON National Bike to School Day provides an opportunity for schools around the world to organize an event to teach children to safely bike or walk to school. WHY WALK OR BIKE? It s Fun! Healthier Habits Cleaner Environment Promoting Safety Community Benefits BSO Weston Crime Prevention Deputies Kari Pallotto and Kevin Maccagli were joined by Joe DiMaggio Children s Hospital and our own Weston Citizens On Patrol to provide a safe group bike to school route, as well as safety tips and information for students and parents. Three different meeting points were established where participants could join in.

5 FLORIDA BIKE MONTH Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety March 10, 2015 Tips for Cyclist Safety: Be predictable signal your intentions to others Assume that other vehicles do not see you Ride Right go with the flow of traffic Be ready to stop at driveways and intersections Watch for uneven pavement, wet leaves, grates If riding on a sidewalk you must yield to pedestrians Make yourself visible at all times use lights & reflectors Wear a helmet Regarding lights: Every bicycle in use between sunset and sunrise must be equipped with a lamp on the front and the rear The City highly encourages: Ride with a light, both day and night Tips for Pedestrian Safety: The City encourages both joggers and walkers in the roadway to have a light, both day and night, for higher visibility Joggers using the bike lane must yield to cyclists Wear bright clothing that can be seen easily during the day and reflective materials and lights at night Look left-right-left before crossing a street Walk FACING traffic and as far from traffic as possible if no sidewalk Pay attention when at crossing; don t be on your phone Make eye contact with drivers as they approach Tips for Drivers: Look out for pedestrians and cyclists, especially in hard-to-see conditions Pedestrians have the right of way in a crosswalk Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or entering a crosswalk Stop at the crosswalk stop line Use your turn signals Pay attention to the road; No distracted driving with cell phones or other items Allow at least 3 feet between your car and a cyclist THE CITY OF WESTON phone facsimile

6 September 2, 2014 WESTON BROWARD SHERIFF S OFFICE REMINDS YOU TO Practice Bicycle Safety Every year in the United States, bicycle-related deaths number about 900 and emergency rooms treat almost 500,000 people for bicycle-related injuries, most to the head. Bike mishaps in the U.S. send more children to the ER than any other sport. Proper use of a bike helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 88%. In Florida, children under the age of 16 riding a bike or as a passenger on a bike are required by law to wear a helmet. Regardless of your age, it s wise to follow these bicycle safety tips: HELMETS: - Always wear a helmet that meets one or more of the voluntary bicycle helmet standards like ASTM, Snell, or ANSI. - Make sure your helmet fits properly and is level on the head. It should not be tilted back on the crown or pulled low over the forehead. EQUIPMENT: - Before taking your bike out for a ride, make sure it is in good working order and properly adjusted. - Wear the proper clothing to help make sure that motorists and pedestrians can see you easily. REFLECTORS/LIGHTING: - Reflectors on you and your bike make you more visible. Pursuant to Florida Statute, section , every bicycle in use between sunset and sunrise shall be equipped with a lamp on the front exhibiting a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front and a lamp along with a reflector on the rear each exhibiting a red light visible from a distance of 600 feet to the rear. TRAFFIC/RULES: - Ride on marked paths and safe areas whenever possible. - When riding your bike on the street, always go in the same direction as traffic. - Stay alert for vehicles, pedestrians, and potential dangers like potholes or debris. - Never ride with another person on the handlebars. - Know and use the proper hand signals for bike riding. For more information about bicycle laws in Florida, please visit Programs/Bicycle-Pedestrian.shtm. THE CITY OF WESTON phone facsimile

7 BICYCLES ARE VEHICLES A Continuing Series Safety Equipment Do s & Don ts Helmets Nearly 75% of all bicycle-related deaths are the result of head injuries. The use of helmets would prevent many of these deaths. Some tests suggest that a hard-shell helmet lined with polyester is more effective than other types in preventing head injury. October 2, 2012 Upon purchase, a knowledgeable professional should assist you with selection and proper fit. Make sure that the helmet meets the Consumer Product Safety Commission 1999 helmet safety standard. Wearing A Helmet A bicycle rider or passenger who is under 16 years of age must wear a bicycle helmet that is properly fitted and is fastened securely upon the passenger s head by a strap, and meets the federal safety standard for bicycle helmets. The term passenger includes a child who is riding in a trailer or semitrailer attached to a bicycle. Gloves Gloves provide protection for hands in case of a fall & better grip for handlebars. Headsets A bicyclist must not wear a headset, headphone, or other listening device (other than a hearing aid) when riding. Wearing a headset blocks out important audio cues needed to detect the presence of other traffic. Lighting Please stay tuned for next week s Bicycles are Vehicles article with important information on bicyclist lighting requirements. For Complete Bicycle Safety Information, visit Related Bicycle Safety Articles, visit Home.aspx. THE CITY OF WESTON phone facsimile

8 BIKES ARE VEHICLES Night Riding & Lighting October 9, 2012 Nearly 60% of all adult fatal bicycle accidents in Florida occur during twilight and night hours. Many factors play a role on why riding at night is dangerous, such as: Motorists driving under the influence of alcohol Motorists abilities to see what is ahead is limited to the area illuminated by headlights Visibility is further reduced by the glare from lights of oncoming cars Roadways with motor vehicles speeds above 40 mph pose extreme risk at night Red reflectors on the rear of the bicycle may be mistaken for reflectors on mail boxes New Florida Statute As of January 1, Every bicycle has to meet lighting equipment standards or is subject to warnings/fines issued by Law Enforcement. The act was approved by the Governor on April 27, Every bicycle in use between sunset and sunrise shall be equipped with a lamp on the front exhibiting a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front and a lamp along with a reflector on the rear each exhibiting a red light visible from a distance of 600 feet to the rear. A bicycle or its rider may be equipped with lights or reflectors in addition to those required by this section. A Law Enforcement Officer may issue a bicycle safety brochure and a verbal warning to a bicycle rider who violates this subsection or may issue a citation and assess a fine for pedestrian violation. The court shall dismiss the charge against a bicycle rider for a first violation of this subsection upon proof of purchase and installation of the proper lighting equipment. No parent of any minor child and no guardian of any minor ward may authorize or knowingly permit any such minor child or ward to violate any of the provisions of this section. For Further information regarding Bicycle Laws & Safety, please visit For more Bikes Are Vehicles articles, please visit THE CITY OF WESTON phone facsimile

9 BIKES ARE VEHICLES Sidewalk Riding Vs. Roadway Position October 16, 2012 Bicycle operation in traffic is a cooperative activity, governed by rules along with sidewalk riding. Since not everyone has enough experience with bicycle laws and procedures when riding both the bicyclist and drivers could be at risk for possible avoidable errors/injuries. Sidewalk Riding When riding on sidewalks or in crosswalks, a bicyclist has the same rights and duties as a pedestrian. A bicyclist must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and must give an audible signal before passing. Roadway Position A bicyclist that isn t travelling at the same speed as other traffic must ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb, edge of the roadway, or designated bike lane. A bicyclist may leave the right most portion of the road in the following situations: when passing, making a left turn, to avoid hazards, or when the lane is too narrow for a bicycle and a car to share it safely. A bicyclist operating on a one-way street with two or more traffic lanes may ride as close to the left-hand edge of the roadway as is practicable. Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway may not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. Persons riding two abreast may not impede traffic when traveling at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing and shall ride within a single land. Wrong-Way Riding Another cause of bicycle/car crashes is bicyclists riding against traffic. By riding against traffic, bicyclists remove themselves from the normal scanning pattern of other vehicle operators, making them more likely to be struck. In addition, the reaction time of both the motorist and bicyclist approaching one another is cut dramatically. Riding on the right, as required by law, can help prevent this crash from happening. For further information regarding Bicycle Laws & Safety, please visit For more Bikes Are Vehicles articles, please visit THE CITY OF WESTON phone facsimile