Treasure Coast Sun

The City of Port St. Lucie is taking proactive steps to promote bike safety within the community. With a focus on education and awareness, the city aims to reduce the number of accidents involving cyclists and pedestrians.

Mayor Shannon Martin has officially declared April as “PSL Bike Safety Month,” highlighting the importance of road safety for both bicyclists and drivers. This initiative comes in response to the increasing concern over bicycle-related incidents, especially in Florida.

In 2023 alone, Florida witnessed 22,447 crashes involving bicyclists and pedestrians, resulting in 995 fatalities and 2,285 serious injuries. Port St. Lucie has seen a similar trend, with reported bicycle accidents doubling from 28 in 2022 to 56 in 2023.

To address these alarming statistics, the city has been actively participating in the FDOT High Visibility Enforcement program since September 2023. This program aims to educate motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians on traffic laws to enhance safety on local roads. Additional officers have been deployed to specific corridors with a history of bicycle and pedestrian crashes.

In line with the focus on bike safety, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has provided essential safety tips for both bikers and drivers. Bikers are advised to obey traffic laws, ride predictably, stay visible, use hand signals, and always wear a properly fitted helmet. Drivers, on the other hand, are encouraged to be vigilant, share the road, avoid distractions, and show patience towards cyclists.

By promoting these safety measures and increasing awareness through events and educational initiatives, the City of Port St. Lucie aims to create a safer environment for all road users. As residents gear up for “PSL Bike Safety Month,” the collective effort to prioritize safety on the streets is paramount.