Bicycling is a viable transportation option for short trips and a great recreation option for families who want to be active and have fun together. MetroPlan Orlando ensures that Central Florida’s transportation system includes planning for safe, convenient bicycling. A strong bicycling program provides essential connections to the region’s transit system, promotes healthy lifestyles, reduces traffic congestion and improves air quality.
PLANNING FOR BICYCLISTS
Developing bicycling options for residents and visitors requires thoughtful planning and includes input from our community. The primary strategy in developing the bicycle section of MetroPlan Orlando’s plans focuses on filling gaps in the trail and bicycle lane networks, while also identifying opportunities to increase safe bicycle travel through our complete streets program.
A key factor in planning for bicyclists is knowing how many people are cycling and which routes are most popular. We’re continuously working to hone our bicyclist and pedestrian count program.
View the bicycle and pedestrian report from our 2040 Long Range Transportation Plan to learn more about how specific pedestrian and bicycle projects are prioritized.
2040 Bicycle and Pedestrian Technical Report
Wondering where you can get out and ride? We have a listing of bicycle maps provided by our partners and other helpful bicycle resources.
FOCUS ON BICYCLIST SAFETY AND EDUCATION
Bicycling safety is the responsibility of both cyclists and motorists. Each must know and adhere to traffic laws and be respectful of each other. MetroPlan Orlando offers bicycle safety resources for cyclists and also strives to ensure that motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians are aware of and respect each other.
Under Florida law, a bicycle is defined as a vehicle, and a bicyclist is entitled to share the road with the drivers of cars and other vehicles. The Florida Bicycle Association offers highlights of the state’s bicycle laws and a guide specifically for law enforcement officers.
For additional perspective on enforcing bicycle laws, read our report Enforcement for Bicyclist Safety, which includes an essay by Kirby Beck, a retired police officer. The report also provides illustrations of safe ways to share the road.
Enforcement for Bicyclist Safety
If you would like to gain greater confidence when cycling, consider taking a cycling safety class with a qualified instructor. This type of class can help cyclists identify and avoid risky situations while riding. MetroPlan Orlando supports the CyclingSavvy program of the American Bicycling Education Association. Participants learn bike handling skills, the facts and techniques of cycling in traffic, and put their new skills into practice in an on-road tour.
BIKE SHARE PROGRAMS
The Central Florida cycling scene has expanded with a bike share program in downtown Orlando and Winter Park called Juice Bike Share. The program provides orange bicycles at several locations that are available for rent.
The University of Central Florida also offers a bike share program on its main campus. The program is funded by the Student Government Association and is free for UCF students and staff.
REPORTING SAFETY HAZARDS: SPOT IMPROVEMENT FORM
If you need to report a small physical problem on a path or roadway that could pose a safety hazard for bicyclists, please fill out our Spot Improvement Form.
BICYCLE PROGRAM ARCHIVE
Visit the Bicycle and Pedestrian Program archive to view all documents related to this topic.
