Bill Bone Bike Law Investigator Featured in News Story About Cyclists’ Safety in WPB

Bill Bone Bike Law investigator featured in news story about cyclists’ safety in WPB. Mark Hassell, Bike Investigator at Bill Bone Bike Law, was recently featured in a news story by WPTV NewsChannel 5.

The story discusses the steps being taken by the city of West Palm Beach and the city’s Police Department to make local roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists. This conversation also highlights the importance of bicycle and pedestrian safety in busy urban areas.

Bill Bone Bike Law Investigator Featured in News Story About Cyclists’ Safety in WPB

As someone who commutes to work daily on his bike, Mark spoke to NewsChannel 5 about the dangers cyclists face on city streets from personal experience.

He observes, “[u]nfortunately, it has not gotten any better.  There’s no rhyme or reason to the type of car or driver people will come very close to you.  Despite Florida having a 3-foot law, cars easily come a couple of inches from you.” This lack of caution often contributes to bike and pedestrian accidents in Florida.

Under Florida law, motorists are required to allow at least three feet of space between their vehicles and cyclists when passing.  However, most drivers don’t observe the rule, and despite the frequency with which it’s violated, police rarely issue tickets for the offense. Cyclists are also encouraged to wear proper safety gear at all times to minimize injuries.

Another clear and present danger to cyclists is speed. In an effort to combat that problem, West Palm Beach has installed speed tracking signs warning motorists to slow down in areas identified as particularly hazardous, such as Quadrille Boulevard in the downtown area. The city plans to install similar signs on Australian Avenue and 36th Street. This measure is part of a broader effort to reduce risks involving motor vehicles and vulnerable road users.

Road Safety Improvements

The sign on Quadrille Boulevard appears to be having a limited effect. In the story, Mark notes that many vehicles decreased their speed upon noticing the sign.

Unfortunately, “most of them just seem to go right on through despite the flashing red light in the flashing speed limit,” he adds. More dedicated bike lanes may also be needed to separate cyclists from cars.

Education and Awareness for Safer Cycling

Improving road safety doesn’t just stop at enforcement; it also involves education. Programs that include driver’s license educational materials help ensure new drivers understand their responsibility when passing bikes on busy streets.

In Palm Beach County, awareness campaigns emphasize required safety precautions such as wearing a bike helmet and following traffic laws. Cyclists, like motorists, must obey the same traffic laws to reduce the likelihood of collisions.

The safety prevention side of education also means ensuring drivers understand the consequences of reckless behavior, which may even lead to a driver’s traffic infraction trial. Through these combined efforts, both drivers and cyclists can adopt better safety measures to prevent crashes before they occur.

Infrastructure and Safer Riding Options

Beyond education, building infrastructure that supports cycling is critical for long-term highway safety in South Florida. Many riders also enjoy back road biking adventures, but safety depends on whether roads are equipped with safe and comfortable facilities.

Advocates suggest adding barriers separating cars and more protected bike lanes on just about all roads to protect cyclists from high-speed vehicles.

Communities that invest in safety prevention and improve facilities make cycling not just safer but also more enjoyable. The goal is to create an environment where all road users—motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists—can coexist with respect and responsibility while prioritizing better safety measures.

Continuing the Push for Safer Roads

Nevertheless, Mark remains upbeat, telling NewsChannel 5, “[i]t’s a good reminder to the drivers in motorist [sic] that there is a speed limit and that they should be mindful of their speed.” Improving pedestrian safety is also a shared responsibility, as both walkers and cyclists face the dangers of reckless driving.

Cyclists must always use proper safety gear and stay alert, since safety gear missing during an accident can worsen injuries. Both pedestrian accidents and cycling collisions remain a serious issue in Florida, contributing to the high number of bicycle fatalities reported each year.

This reminder was emphasized in the bill bone bike law investigator featured in news story about cyclists’ safety in WPB.