Bike Lights are Mandatory

The Key West Police Department is reminding bicyclists that front and back bicycle lights are mandatory. Riding without the requisite white front light and red rear light is not only dangerous, but can bring the riders fines of nearly $70.

As the seasonal population of Key West is growing, so have the number of complaints regarding bikes with no lights. Police are increasing efforts to stop, warn, and ticket these illegal riders.

Recent studies have shown that Key West, when compared to cities of equal size, ranks #4 for bicycle injuries and #4 for incidents involving pedestrians. Over the past several years, Key West has dropped in ranking from #1 to #4 for bicycle injuries –with the help of FDOT grants that help us dedicate officers for education and enforcement.

Ideally, the goal of these efforts is to educate motorists as well as cyclist and pedestrians. The goal of the enforcement is to change behaviors. Anyone driving a vehicle needs to be aware of cyclists and respect their right to share the road. Motorists must be aware of and yield to pedestrians in the crosswalks. Pedestrians must use crosswalks and be sure they are visible to drivers when walking at night. Cyclists need to obey the rules of the road. The goal of these efforts is to make a real reductions in injuries and fatalities by changing behaviors.

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