The City wants to remind residents and visitors of important safety measures regarding the use of bicycles, including electric bikes (e-bikes). According to Florida State Statute, an e-bike operator may ride an e-bike where bicycles are allowed including streets, shoulders, sidewalks, and multi-use paths. However, the City of Marco Island Ordinance 34-3(m)2 prohibits e-bikes, e-scooters, and e-skateboards in City parks. These devices can be manually operated while on park property.
To keep each other safe, please adhere to the following safety protocols:
For Bike and E-Bike Riders:
If you are under the age of 16, you must ride a helmet. Yet, if over 16, a helmet is recommended
A bicyclist must obey all traffic controls and signals, to include the pedestrian signals if using a crosswalk
When riding on sidewalks or in crosswalks, a bicyclist has the same rights and duties as a pedestrian, but must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and must give an audible signal before passing
For audible signals, a bell is ideal, but using your voice is acceptable
A bicycle operated between sunset and sunrise must be equipped with a lamp on the front exhibiting a white light visible from 500 feet, and a red reflector and a lamp on the rear exhibiting a red light visible from 600 feet
No bicycle may carry more persons than the number for which it is designed or equipped
When riding in the roadway, you must ride in the same direction as motor vehicle traffic
Parents and guardians must not knowingly allow a child or minor to violate any provisions of the Florida bicycle statute (316.2065(8))
For Pedestrians:
Pedestrians must obey traffic control devices that apply to pedestrians
Florida law requires pedestrians/runners to use sidewalks whenever they are available; if there is no sidewalk, walk/run facing traffic on the shoulder of the road
Always cross the street at crosswalks or intersections
Every pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than within a marked crosswalk or within an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection shall yield the right-of-way to all vehicles upon the roadway
Avoid wearing headphones or earbuds so you can hear runners, bikers, and motorists approaching
Avoid looking at your phone while walking
Keep dogs on a short leash and look around to make sure a runner or biker will not trip on the leash or have an encounter with your pet
For Motorists:
Avoid distractions while driving; every day nine people die on Florida’s roadways and six of the nine are linked to distracted driving
Always give bicyclists plenty of space when passing. Florida law requires a 3 foot minimum passing distance
Look for pedestrians and bicyclists in crosswalks; stop before the crosswalk
When approaching a pedestrian legally crossing the street at an intersection, a driver must yield or stop to allow the person walking or riding to cross
Be extra cautious when backing up and look for pedestrians and bicyclists
Slow down when driving near bicyclists and pedestrians
We can all do our part to prevent crashes and stay safe on the sidewalks and roadways. If you see someone operating their vehicle or e-bike in Marco Island, in an unsafe manner, call the Marco Island Police Department at 239-389-5050. The Marco Island Police Department (MIPD) collaborates with School Resource Officers to promote bicycle safety through outreach and education to their schools. Additionally, MIPD partners with the Marco Police Foundation to provide helmets, bells, and lights to individuals in need. Patrol officers also continue educating bicycle and e-bike riders on applicable laws.