The City of Fort Lauderdale in Broward County, South Florida, has miles of bike paths, trails, and other types of infrastructure to make riding safer and more enjoyable. How effective is this infrastructure in reducing the likelihood of a bicycling accident? 

Broward County bicyclist crash statistics paint a conflicting picture; accidents and injuries have increased, while bicyclist deaths have decreased.

Statistics for Bicycling in Broward County 

In 2023, 890 bicycle accidents were reported in Fort Lauderdale and across Broward County. This was a sharp increase from 2021, when there were 716 bicycling crashes reported. This number increased to 768 in 2022, which is still far below 2023’s total. The jump from 768 accidents in 2022 to 890 in 2023 represented a 15 percent increase.

Similarly, there was a 16 percent increase in the number of bicyclists injured in wrecks from 2022 to 2023. In 2022, 720 bicyclists were injured. This was a significant increase from the 668 people hurt in bicycle wrecks in 2021. By 2023, however, 837 people suffered an injury in a bicycle accident in Broward County.

Despite this data, the number of bicyclist fatalities has been steadily falling since 2021. That year, 21 people died in these crashes. By 2022, the number of bicyclist fatalities dropped to 16. In 2023, this number dropped even further to 12 fatalities.

Types of Bicycle Infrastructure Found in Fort Lauderdale

Bike racks and opportunities to rent bicycles are two important pieces of infrastructure in Fort Lauderdale that support and encourage bicycling. The city also features several different road and path types to help bicyclists get around or simply enjoy a leisurely ride. 

These forms of infrastructure include:

  • Dedicated off-road trails and paths meant for non-motorized traffic
  • Sharrows, which are road markings meant to indicate a road that cars and bikes share
  • Bike lanes, which are dedicated lanes on a road that are only meant for bicyclists
  • Buffered bike lanes, which are bike lanes with an additional space or “buffer zone” to further separate the lane from motor vehicle traffic
  • Bicycle boulevards, which are low-speed surface streets where bicycle traffic is prioritized over motor vehicle traffic

Bicyclists who take advantage of this infrastructure will often experience a smoother and safer ride than those who insist on riding alongside motor vehicle traffic.

Florida Bicycle Laws 

Riders in Fort Lauderdale must abide by Florida’s bicycle safety laws. 

Crucial laws to keep in mind include the following:

  • Helmets are required for riders and passengers who are under 16
  • When a bike lane or path is not available, bicyclists must ride as far to the right as possible except when turning
  • Bicyclists must use an available bike lane on a road unless they can travel at the speed of surrounding traffic
  • Bicyclists must adhere to the same traffic laws and right-of-way rules as motor vehicle drivers

Motorists must afford bicyclists the same rights as other cars and trucks. Additionally, they must give a bicyclist at least three feet of space when they are overtaking or passing a bicyclist. Finally, drivers and passengers should be cautious about “dooring,” or opening their car door in the path of an approaching bicyclist and thereby causing a crash.

Be Sure to Ride Safely in Fort Lauderdale

Unlike some other cities, Fort Lauderdale has taken steps to encourage bicycling and to keep bicyclists safe. However, there continues to be a concerning rise in the number of bicyclist accidents and injuries in Broward County. When riding your bike in the city, obey all bicycle safety laws and remain alert to your surroundings. 

Staying safe is the best way to enjoy the riding experience in Fort Lauderdale. However, accidents do happen. If you’ve been injured, make sure to reach out to an experienced Fort Lauderdale bicycle accident lawyer for help.