Monroe County has more residents who commute to work by bike than most other counties in the nation. Therefore, it is important for residents and visitors to understand how to be safe and how to prevent potentially serious accidents. Unfortunately, Monroe County has among the highest death rates for bike accidents in Florida. To address this issue, the Florida Department of Health in Monroe County (DOH-Monroe) partners with local law enforcement and city municipalities to make bike safety a priority. The Florida Pedestrian Bicycle Resource Center provide free helmets that the department, along with multiple trained and certified helmet fitters, properly fit and give to community members at no cost.
Trained certified helmet fitters have the ability to order safety materials, including helmets, and provide education about bike safety, raise awareness about the impact of safe riding practices (such as wearing a helmet), and mobilize local community members to bring resources to the area in an effort to reduce bicycle accidents and injuries.
Get a Free Bike Helmet!
Appointments for free bike helmets are currently only available at our Key West location.
To learn more about the department’s injury prevention program or to become a certified helmet fitter, email DOHMonroe@FLHealth.gov or visit Car Free Key West.
Bike Safety Tips
- Obey all traffic control devices, including stop signs and stop lights.
- Be Safe and Be Seen. Walk left and ride right. Wear brightly colored and reflective clothing.
- Be Smart and Alert. Never assume that a car will stop for you, make eye contact.
- Use hand signals when turning or stopping.
- Use front and rear lights at night.
- Alert people with when you are passing from behind them.
E-Bike and Motorized Scooters
- When charging them, always follow the manufacturers charging recommendations.
- Speed limit is 15mph.
- Follow your local city ordinances regarding riding on sidewalks and streets. The City of Key West has the following map to clarify the multi-use path locations showing where these users may ride.
Helmets
- It is the law for children under 16 to wear a properly fitted helmet when riding a bike or when riding in a bike trailer.
- Pedal cycle: a bike helmets is recommended.
- E-bikes and motorized scooters: downhill helmets are recommended.