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Scooters and E-Bikes E-scooters are permitted on Florida roads and sidewalks,
Although a convenient and fun way to zip around locally, sharing the same rights and responsibilities as bicycles.
scooters and e-bike injuries in the U.S. have nearly doubled Exception: Riders are prohibited from sidewalks along the
each year from 2017 to 2022. The most common injury beach and Las Olas Boulevard; in these areas, riders must use
associated with incidents are fractures, contusions, and head designated bike lanes.
injuries with approximately 98% of injured e-scooter riders not
wearing helmets at the time of their accidents. If you plan on General Safety Tips
using an e-bike or scooter in Rio Vista or Fort Lauderdale, here - Wear a Helmet. While Florida law mandates that riders
are some helpful tips to ensure your safety and compliance under 16 wear helmets, it’s strongly recommended that all
with state laws. riders wear helmets for safety.
E-bikes are treated like traditional bicycles. Riders must - Stay Alert. Avoid using headphones or mobile devices
obey all traffic laws, including riding with traffic, stopping at while riding.
signals, and yielding to pedestrians. - Stay Visible. Use front and rear lights, especially during

E-bikes are allowed on roads (excluding limited-access low-light conditions. Wear bright or reflective clothing to
highways), bike lanes, multi-use paths, and sidewalks unless increase visibility.
local ordinances state otherwise. - Ride Predictably. Maintain a straight line, signal your turns,
Like bicycles, between sunset and sunrise, e-bikes must have a and avoid sudden movements to help others anticipate
white front light visible from 500 feet and a red rear reflector your actions.
or light visible from 600 feet. By staying informed and practicing safe riding habits, you can
help reduce the risk of injury while enjoying the benefits of
e-bikes and e-scooters.

Encourage others to join
In my humble opinion, Rio Vista is one of the best off-duty
details to work in the city. Our dedicated team of officers
spends a significant amount of time each week patrolling
the neighborhood and ensuring that Rio Vista is as safe and
enjoyable as possible. To accomplish this however, we need
more of the residents to understand the value and importance
of having the security patrol; roughly only one-third of the
neighborhood pays into the security detail! With additional
paid memberships, we would be able to increase our daily
patrols and provide vital support to those who request it.

Besides performing out of town checks of homes whose
residents are away, we diligently patrol the streets on
numerous varied shifts to help make Rio Vista a place where
criminals do not want to venture; they never know when
we are working! Although some are brazened and prefer
to commit their dastardly deeds in the early morning hours,
we have remained committed to protecting and serving the
neighborhood for close to 17 years.
Building close relationships with neighbors (frequently on a
first name basis) allows our small motivated team of Officers,
Sergeants, and Lieutenants the unique ability to quickly
address the needs of everyone. Members enjoy an expedited
conduit of service when contacting the Rio Vista Security
patrol as incidents are handled judiciously, calls/texts/emails
are responded to as soon as an officer is on duty, and we

22 rio vista civic association • www.riovistaonline.com

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