See Florida And Die
#26
Senior Member
Florida (and some of its cities) have always been on various lists as unfriendly (and deadly) to cyclists. However, I'm skeptical of these numbers, because I think they need to look more into the "why".
I've cycled in many states (being retired military) as a lifelong commuter and my worst states are Hawaii and South Carolina. Granted this is just my personal experience, so I don't intend to say they are the worst states, rather just in my experience, I would much rather cycle here in Florida than either of those two states.
Two thing I've noticed here in Florida. 1) More cyclists for the entire year, so obviously more chances to be hit. 2) I see a lot of people that ride bikes but do not know the rules of the road and they don't seem to care about lawful riding. I've seen some crazy things, even I have nearly hit someone while driving my truck as they blew thru a stop sign.
This is not to say that Florida can make many improvements in road safety, but I don't have issues with reckless motorist anymore than any other state I've cycled in.
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I've cycled in many states (being retired military) as a lifelong commuter and my worst states are Hawaii and South Carolina. Granted this is just my personal experience, so I don't intend to say they are the worst states, rather just in my experience, I would much rather cycle here in Florida than either of those two states.
Two thing I've noticed here in Florida. 1) More cyclists for the entire year, so obviously more chances to be hit. 2) I see a lot of people that ride bikes but do not know the rules of the road and they don't seem to care about lawful riding. I've seen some crazy things, even I have nearly hit someone while driving my truck as they blew thru a stop sign.
This is not to say that Florida can make many improvements in road safety, but I don't have issues with reckless motorist anymore than any other state I've cycled in.
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#27
Junior Member
You have no idea what you are talking about. There is a ridge that runs from the panhandle all the way to Lake Wales in the middle of the state that have plenty of hills. Plenty. Ocala, Gainesville, Mt. DORA, Howey In the Hills, Zephyrhills, dozens of little towns with actual hills.
#28
Sr Member on Sr bikes
You’re right. The 21 years living and owning property in the northern part of the state, and now being a part-time resident and property owner in the southern part of the state, and traveling around the state over those years…and riding bikes in them all…means nothing. It was a wisecrack. I know there are hills. But with 50 mile rides that end with less than 100’ elevation gain, I know first-hand there isn’t anything near comparable hill-wise to other areas of the country…even ones that are considered flat. — Dan
#29
Junior Member
You’re right. The 21 years living and owning property in the northern part of the state, and now being a part-time resident and property owner in the southern part of the state, and traveling around the state over those years…and riding bikes in them all…means nothing. It was a wisecrack. I know there are hills. But with 50 mile rides that end with less than 100’ elevation gain, I know first-hand there isn’t anything near comparable hill-wise to other areas of the country…even ones that are considered flat. — Dan
#30
Senior Member
I have lived in the Tampa Bay area since I was 6 years old in the 70's. It used to be paradise here. Underpopulated and nice weather year round. The amount of people who have moved here is staggering. I thought I read the population increases by 300,000 per year and Tampa is a big destination. The effect is the somewhat quiet routes I had are filled in with building density and traffic. I'll admit I've been getting more spooked out there. I also ride around the Ocala National Forest. Although it can't be developed, the traffic on the bordering roads has also increased. I have been riding mostly on the forest roads. Oddly enough, it is very rare that I get yelled or honked at. There are some close passers, but that is an unfortunate part of bike riding. Also strange, I've had more yellers and honkers around the Ocala National Forest than in Tampa.
What breaks my heart is how much natural beauty there was in Florida. The beaches are full of condos and everything else gets paved over. It is my wish to leave here post retirement. The only thing I think I'll miss is spanish moss swaying from the old oaks.
What breaks my heart is how much natural beauty there was in Florida. The beaches are full of condos and everything else gets paved over. It is my wish to leave here post retirement. The only thing I think I'll miss is spanish moss swaying from the old oaks.
Last edited by bikecrate; 02-16-24 at 09:55 AM.
#31
Junior Member
I have lived in the Tampa Bay area since I was 6 years old in the 70's. It used to be paradise here. Underpopulated and nice weather year round. The amount of people who have moved here is staggering. I thought I read the population increases by 300,000 per year and Tampa is a big destination. The effect is the somewhat quiet routes I had are filled in with building density and traffic. I'll admit I've been getting more spooked out there. I also ride around the Ocala National Forest. Although it can't be developed, the traffic on the bordering roads has also increased. I have been riding mostly on the forest roads. Oddly enough, it is very rare that I get yelled or honked at. There are some close passers, but that is an unfortunate part of bike riding. Also strange, I've had more yellers and honkers around the Ocala National Forest than in Tampa.
What breaks my heart is how much natural beauty there was in Florida. The beaches are full of condos and everything else gets paved over. It is my wish to leave here post retirement. The only thing I think I'll miss is spanish moss swaying from the old oaks.
What breaks my heart is how much natural beauty there was in Florida. The beaches are full of condos and everything else gets paved over. It is my wish to leave here post retirement. The only thing I think I'll miss is spanish moss swaying from the old oaks.
#32
Senior Member
Same here in Jax, we've grown so much since I first moved down here in 1986. All the country roads are now busy four-lane roadways. We even now need a second area code in Duval county, called an "overlay", requiring us to now use an area code when placing a local call.
And we're still growing all across the entire state: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/n...-other-states/
And we're still growing all across the entire state: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/n...-other-states/
Florida leads nation as destination for residents moving from other states
#33
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Fargo to Pembina: 171 miles, 121 feet of elevation change up, 231 feet down.
Fort Meyers to Jacksonville: 335 miles, 1050 feet elevation change up and down.
The east side of ND is flatter than Florida. It's the wind that makes the difference...
Fort Meyers to Jacksonville: 335 miles, 1050 feet elevation change up and down.
The east side of ND is flatter than Florida. It's the wind that makes the difference...
#34
Sr Member on Sr bikes
Same here in Jax, we've grown so much since I first moved down here in 1986. All the country roads are now busy four-lane roadways. We even now need a second area code in Duval county, called an "overlay", requiring us to now use an area code when placing a local call.
And we're still growing all across the entire state: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/n...-other-states/
And we're still growing all across the entire state: https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/n...-other-states/
Dan
#36
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Like anywhere else you need to pick where you ride. In North Florida you can ride along the Ocean for about 100 miles from Fernandina Beach to St Augustine all n bike lane, bike path or residential streets. As scenic a ride as you will find anywhere
In Central Florida there arre actual hills on fairly low trafficked country roads around Clermont.
there are some great rails trails. The Apopka Lake loop trail is a world class ride.
Even in South Florida, the last part I would pick to ride, there are long stretches of bike lane/ paths along the Ocean.
But please keep believing how bad Florida sucks. 1000 people a day move here. We don’t need anymore of you.
In Central Florida there arre actual hills on fairly low trafficked country roads around Clermont.
there are some great rails trails. The Apopka Lake loop trail is a world class ride.
Even in South Florida, the last part I would pick to ride, there are long stretches of bike lane/ paths along the Ocean.
But please keep believing how bad Florida sucks. 1000 people a day move here. We don’t need anymore of you.
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You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
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You could fall off a cliff and die.
You could get lost and die.
You could hit a tree and die.
OR YOU COULD STAY HOME AND FALL OFF THE COUCH AND DIE.
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#37
Senior Member
(not being snarky, I've just seen a lot of that)
#38
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So I looked at the linked article, which says:
"4. East Baton Rouge County, Florida"
AFAIK, there is no East Baton Rouge County in Florida. Now, there is an East Baton Rouge Parish in LA, and I can see that's not the friendliest place to ride, maybe compared to Orleans County as the article claims.
Now Pasco County is No 1! (I have a house in west Pasco County, and other than US19 don't see why it's worse than any other southern state.) In fact, Fla 52 the main E-W route in the county has excellent bike lane, and there is also the Suncoast Expy bike trail, 52 mile paved route. Probably would not ride US41, but that's me.
But I see the Tampa/St Pete/Sarasota area is claimed to be the worst in the state. No idea if that is true.
As far as "flat Florida", sure, around Tampa it is flat (other than bridge to Clearwater Beach), but on the west side once you're north of Perry it's all rolling hills. Check out Tallahassee/FSU area.
Even on US19, you have bike lane all the way from Pasco County to Georgia state line. Once across the line zero, zip, nada. Tell me that's safer.
scott s.
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"4. East Baton Rouge County, Florida"
AFAIK, there is no East Baton Rouge County in Florida. Now, there is an East Baton Rouge Parish in LA, and I can see that's not the friendliest place to ride, maybe compared to Orleans County as the article claims.
Now Pasco County is No 1! (I have a house in west Pasco County, and other than US19 don't see why it's worse than any other southern state.) In fact, Fla 52 the main E-W route in the county has excellent bike lane, and there is also the Suncoast Expy bike trail, 52 mile paved route. Probably would not ride US41, but that's me.
But I see the Tampa/St Pete/Sarasota area is claimed to be the worst in the state. No idea if that is true.
As far as "flat Florida", sure, around Tampa it is flat (other than bridge to Clearwater Beach), but on the west side once you're north of Perry it's all rolling hills. Check out Tallahassee/FSU area.
Even on US19, you have bike lane all the way from Pasco County to Georgia state line. Once across the line zero, zip, nada. Tell me that's safer.
scott s.
.
Last edited by scott967; 02-17-24 at 05:33 PM.
#39
Senior Member
just a political hit piece on florida...also many of the comments.
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#41
Senior Member
Like anywhere else you need to pick where you ride. In North Florida you can ride along the Ocean for about 100 miles from Fernandina Beach to St Augustine all n bike lane, bike path or residential streets. As scenic a ride as you will find anywhere
In Central Florida there arre actual hills on fairly low trafficked country roads around Clermont.
there are some great rails trails. The Apopka Lake loop trail is a world class ride.
Even in South Florida, the last part I would pick to ride, there are long stretches of bike lane/ paths along the Ocean.
But please keep believing how bad Florida sucks. 1000 people a day move here. We don’t need anymore of you.
In Central Florida there arre actual hills on fairly low trafficked country roads around Clermont.
there are some great rails trails. The Apopka Lake loop trail is a world class ride.
Even in South Florida, the last part I would pick to ride, there are long stretches of bike lane/ paths along the Ocean.
But please keep believing how bad Florida sucks. 1000 people a day move here. We don’t need anymore of you.
Some good hills around the Ocala National Forest too. There are some rides you are either going up or down, no flats.
Sorry to say...I wish people would leave FL too. If high housing prices, impossible to pay for home insurance and devastating hurricanes aren't enough to deter people nothing will.
#42
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Haven't you seen the YT videos of the Polk county Sheriff, Grady Judd, himself?? He is tough as nails on criminals. He's the Sheriff Arpaio of the east. LOL.
And banning e-bikes after a 12 year old runs over a lady?? Hell YAH. Those 2 seat MOTORCYCLES have ZERO in common with bicycles, those in that video, all I see is school KIDS operating them. Way to teach them being LAZY and irresponsible, eh.
That's as safe as having a pet alligator!!!!
And banning e-bikes after a 12 year old runs over a lady?? Hell YAH. Those 2 seat MOTORCYCLES have ZERO in common with bicycles, those in that video, all I see is school KIDS operating them. Way to teach them being LAZY and irresponsible, eh.
That's as safe as having a pet alligator!!!!
Last edited by GamblerGORD53; 03-02-24 at 10:28 PM.
#43
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#44
Senior Member
I'm not defending the ban, but it's a 60-day ban, not a permanent ban. Communities around the country have been having issues with ebikes and how to deal with the problems they bring.
In California they're talking about banning ebikes for 12 and under children. I would think that would be a hard sell, since I'm starting to see ebikes for little kids now....And then there are further restrictions for those over 12
P.S. For you ebike enthusiasts. I know it's not the ebikes, rather it's the operators.
https://www.bicycling.com/news/a4678...lifornia-bill/
A controversial new e-bike bill was introduced in California this week by Assemblywoman Tasha Boerner. If passed, children under 12 would be banned from riding e-bikes, and anyone over 12 on an e-bike would require either a valid driver’s license or proof of passing an e-bike safety course as well as valid photo ID—essentially creating an e-bike license.
This type of bill has been introduced before and has historically failed, but according to The San Francisco Standard, 2022 saw the most fatalities and serious injuries for cyclists in five years, including several high-profile deaths of teens riding e-bikes.
In California they're talking about banning ebikes for 12 and under children. I would think that would be a hard sell, since I'm starting to see ebikes for little kids now....And then there are further restrictions for those over 12
P.S. For you ebike enthusiasts. I know it's not the ebikes, rather it's the operators.
https://www.bicycling.com/news/a4678...lifornia-bill/
A New California Bill Would Make it Mandatory for E-Bike Riders to Need a Driver’s License
THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION WOULD ALSO BAN E-BIKES FOR RIDERS UNDER 12 YEARS OLD.A controversial new e-bike bill was introduced in California this week by Assemblywoman Tasha Boerner. If passed, children under 12 would be banned from riding e-bikes, and anyone over 12 on an e-bike would require either a valid driver’s license or proof of passing an e-bike safety course as well as valid photo ID—essentially creating an e-bike license.
This type of bill has been introduced before and has historically failed, but according to The San Francisco Standard, 2022 saw the most fatalities and serious injuries for cyclists in five years, including several high-profile deaths of teens riding e-bikes.
#45
Senior Member
I'm not defending the ban, but it's a 60-day ban, not a permanent ban. Communities around the country have been having issues with ebikes and how to deal with the problems they bring.
#46
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I'm not defending the ban, but it's a 60-day ban, not a permanent ban. Communities around the country have been having issues with ebikes and how to deal with the problems they bring.
In California they're talking about banning ebikes for 12 and under children. I would think that would be a hard sell, since I'm starting to see ebikes for little kids now....And then there are further restrictions for those over 12
P.S. For you ebike enthusiasts. I know it's not the ebikes, rather it's the operators.
https://www.bicycling.com/news/a4678...lifornia-bill/
In California they're talking about banning ebikes for 12 and under children. I would think that would be a hard sell, since I'm starting to see ebikes for little kids now....And then there are further restrictions for those over 12
P.S. For you ebike enthusiasts. I know it's not the ebikes, rather it's the operators.
https://www.bicycling.com/news/a4678...lifornia-bill/
#48
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#49
Yep
There are a lot of places around the country that I wouldn't want to risk being on a bicycle. Sadly we have more than our fair share of hateful jerks who would love to kill us and get away with it saying "it was an accident," usually in an oversized 4WD truck driving too fast and too aggressively.
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But, there are usually better places to ride if one does some research on safer routes (not always possible however - sometimes better to bypass the area).
It's better than it used to be despite all the narcissistic murderous egomaniacs in their oversized pickup trucks. 45 years ago in California I was shot at, beer bottles and cans thrown at me, run off the road, spit at, cussed at, and other transgressions just for the sin of riding a bicycle on a public road. That hasn't happened to me in a long time, but I do choose my routes more carefully these days.
Having lived in Europe for 16 years (I'm back in the USA now), I felt much safer riding there. Drivers are better trained and don't tend to let their frustrations out on cyclists - they seem to have a more civilized attitude toward cyclists, giving room on the road, staying behind if it's unsafe to pass, and a general attitude that cyclists truly have rights too.
.
But, there are usually better places to ride if one does some research on safer routes (not always possible however - sometimes better to bypass the area).
It's better than it used to be despite all the narcissistic murderous egomaniacs in their oversized pickup trucks. 45 years ago in California I was shot at, beer bottles and cans thrown at me, run off the road, spit at, cussed at, and other transgressions just for the sin of riding a bicycle on a public road. That hasn't happened to me in a long time, but I do choose my routes more carefully these days.
Having lived in Europe for 16 years (I'm back in the USA now), I felt much safer riding there. Drivers are better trained and don't tend to let their frustrations out on cyclists - they seem to have a more civilized attitude toward cyclists, giving room on the road, staying behind if it's unsafe to pass, and a general attitude that cyclists truly have rights too.
#50
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[MENTION=536488]Calsun[/MENTION] Warning, no politics.
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