Bicycle safety is more than just a seasonal topic, it’s a year-round responsibility.
But every May, during National Bicycle Safety Month, we bring special attention to the risks bicyclists face and what can be done to reduce them. In Delray Beach, where riding is a favorite way to get around, it’s a conversation we can’t afford to ignore.
Florida leads the nation in bicycle accident wrongful deaths. In 2022 alone, 220 bicyclists were killed across the state, and thousands more were injured, according to a report by FLHSMV.
At Zappitell Law Firm, located in the Pineapple Grove Arts District, we represent injured cyclists and grieving families with the kind of personal attention you expect from a boutique practice and the legal strength usually found only in much larger firms.
If you’ve been hit while riding, we’ll help you understand your rights and hold the right people accountable.
Bicycle Safety in Delray Beach: What Riders Should Know
Delray Beach is home to several designated bike lanes, including along George Bush Boulevard, Barwick Road, and portions of Swinton Avenue.
The city’s recent $115 million safety plan aims to improve pedestrian and bike access throughout downtown and residential areas. But painted lines and new infrastructure don’t eliminate the risks.
Just because there’s a bike lane doesn’t mean you’re safe. Drivers still text, speed, or ignore their surroundings. And a distracted driver doesn’t care whether you’re in the lane or not, they simply don’t see you.
Even scenic rides, like along the A1A corridor or through Lake Ida Park, can turn dangerous when vehicles fail to yield or crowd riders off the road.
A Rider’s Checklist for Bicycle Safety
Whether you’re commuting, exercising, or just out for a casual ride, these safety tips can help keep you safe:
Before You Ride:
- Wear a properly fitting helmet. Florida law requires helmets for riders under 16, but everyone should wear one.
- Check your tires, brakes, and lights.
- Wear bright clothing and reflective gear, especially at dawn, dusk, or night.
- Equip your bike with a white front light and a red rear light.
On the Road:
- Ride with traffic, not against it.
- Obey traffic lights, signs, and lane markings.
- Use hand signals before turning or stopping.
- Stay alert, don’t ride with headphones or while using your phone.
- Watch for car doors opening in bike lanes, especially along Atlantic Avenue or Old School Square.
Riders should also stay off sidewalks in business districts, where it’s often illegal and always risky. Pedestrians, driveways, and blind corners can cause surprise hazards.
Drivers Must Be Part of the Solution
Motorists play a big role in preventing bike accidents. Here are a few reminders:
- Give cyclists at least three feet of space when passing.
- Check your mirrors and blind spots before turning or changing lanes.
- Always yield to cyclists at intersections or when merging.
- Avoid distractions such as texting or even eating behind the wheel reduces your awareness.
On busy streets like Military Trail or Congress Avenue, a single moment of inattention can result in life-altering injuries or worse.
Scooters Are Everywhere And Just as Vulnerable
Electric scooters are a popular option in Delray Beach, especially near downtown, the beach district, and Pineapple Grove. They’re compact, fast, and easy to rent. But they come with many of the same risks as bicycles and sometimes fewer safety precautions.
Scooter accidents are, unfortunately, common in our city.
Scooter riders often skip helmets, ride on sidewalks, or dart across intersections unexpectedly. This creates risk not just for them but for everyone around them.
If you’re riding a scooter:
- Use the bike lane when possible.
- Avoid sidewalks and always yield to pedestrians.
- Don’t ride two people on a one-person scooter.
- Follow the same traffic laws that apply to bicycles.
If you’re a driver, remember scooters can be harder to see and just as unprotected as cyclists. Approach them with caution and patience.
Legal Protection for Bicycle and Scooter Accidents
When a bicycle accident happens, the injuries are often severe. From broken bones and head trauma to permanent disability, recovery is rarely quick, and the costs are enormous. That’s where having an experienced personal injury attorney makes a difference.
Our law firm represents bicycle and scooter accident victims throughout Delray Beach, from Tropic Isle to Palm Trail. We understand how these crashes happen, and we know how to build strong cases against negligent drivers and uncooperative insurers.
We’ve also handled numerous wrongful death cases when a crash turns fatal. A wrongful death lawyer can help a family recover damages for funeral costs, lost income, medical expenses, and the emotional devastation that follows a sudden loss.
Proud to Represent Cyclists Across South Florida
Zappitell Law Firm provides personal legal support for injured cyclists and their families from Delray Beach to Boynton Beach and Boca Raton, down to Miami. With decades of trial experience, we’re ready to stand up to insurance companies and fight for what you’re owed.
Our clients aren’t just case numbers. They’re people who’ve been knocked down, sometimes literally, and need help getting their lives back.
If you’ve been hit while biking or riding a scooter, or you’ve lost a loved one to a driver’s negligence, talk to us. Click here or give our team a call at (561) 330-6330.
About the author:
David J. Zappitell is a Board-Certified Civil Trial Lawyer and founder of Zappitell Law Firm in Delray Beach. With over 30 years of experience, he represents bicycle accident victims and their families throughout South Florida, advocating for safer roads and justice for those affected by negligence.