Among all recreational sports, bicycles are the leading cause of ER visits for children. Both Pediatricians and Neurosurgeons confirm that bicycle accidents are a very significant source of head injuries (called traumatic brain injuries) in children. Bicycling is one of the most popular recreational activities in the US with 44.3 million children younger than 21 participating.

Last week, the Florida Legislature approved a budget of $50 million to complete an amazing recreational paved trail in Central Florida called the Coast-To-Coast Connector.  This money would fill in 72 MILES of gaps in existing multi-use trails and rail trails to create a unified 275 mile paved trail that runs the entire width of our State – from St. Petersburg to the Canaveral Seashore. This would be the most incredible linear park in Florida, and would pay for itself in economic impact.

Deaths and injuries to bicycle riders spiked upward in the U.S. from 2010 to 2011 according to the U.S. Department of Transportation (download PDF study). This is the reversal of a trend which saw bicycling deaths dropping in the United States over the past 20 years. Just released statistics from the National Highway Transportation Association (NHTSA) prove that bicycling injuries and deaths have increased. In April, 2013, NHTSA released statistics about bicycling deaths and injuries occurring in 2011. Bicycling deaths have increased by almost 9% from 2010 to 2011, while pedestrian deaths increased about 3%. By comparison, deaths to occupants of vehicles (cars, trucks, etc.) decreased by more than 7,500 between 2010 and 2011.

On April 25, 2013, the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a recall of 2013 Cervelo P3 (with Shimano Ultegra components) time trial bikes and 2013 Cervelo P5 Three (with SRAM Red components) time trial bikes that have 3T handlebars. The CPSC announced that the handlebar clamps can detach causing the cyclist to lose control. The handlebars pose a risk of injury to their riders. Cyclists were advised to stop riding the bikes immediately and to contact 3T. The bikes, sold between September 2012 and January 2103, ranged from $3,600 to $6,000. Cervelo is a Canadian company with headquarters in Toronto and 3T is a Hong Kong company. 3T's handlebars were manufactured in China. The same handlebars were also recalled by Health Canada

I am elated to tell you last night, the Jacksonville (Fl) City Council approved Ordinance 2013-155 (link to PDF). The Ordinance establishes a full time employee known as the “bicycle/pedestrian coordinator” for the City of Jacksonville.

When you ride your bicycle with a group, are you legally allowed to ride side-by-side? How many riders across are you allowed to ride? How wide can your pace line be? Are there good reasons to ride more than single file, or is single file always safest? What does Florida Law allow?

Florida Governor Scott signed a proclamation on March 13th declaring March 2013 as "Florida Bicycle Month". He says increased bicycle usage promotes heath, helps people without access to cars, supports transportation alternatives, has motivated tourism, and has contributed significantly to economic development. He says the bicycle "plays an important role in the lives of millions of Floridians."  He says “the Florida Department of Transportation and many local governments throughout the state have adopted goals and policies to develop a multimodal transportation system that supports transportation alternatives, including the bicycle.”