Eyes On the Road: Celebrating Florida Bicycle Month in Brevard County
As our Space Coast sunshine gets warmer and days grow longer, there’s something special happening on our roads this March. Florida Bicycle Month has officially kicked off, and it’s the perfect time for Melbourne residents to embrace cycling culture!
Conroy Jacobs, Secretary of Florida Bicycle Association, recently highlighted why this month matters: “As Florida’s weather brightens this March, I am honored to help kick off Florida Bicycle Month—a time to celebrate cycling as both a sustainable mode of transportation and an enjoyable form of recreation.”
But this celebration comes with an important reminder for all of us who share Brevard County roads.
Why Distracted Driving Has No Place During Bicycle Month
I’ll be honest—I’ve been tempted to check my phone while driving down A1A. That quick glance at a text message? It might seem harmless, but during the 3 seconds your eyes leave the road, your vehicle travels the length of a football field at 55 mph.
For our cycling neighbors enjoying Florida Bicycle Month, those 3 seconds could be life-changing.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Brevard County sees hundreds of bicycle-related crashes each year. Many involve distracted drivers who simply didn’t see the cyclist until it was too late.
Sharing Space Coast Roads Safely
Whether you’re cruising through Eau Gallie Arts District or heading down to Sebastian Inlet, here’s how you can keep our cycling community safe:
- Put the phone away – Use your vehicle’s “Do Not Disturb” feature or place your phone out of reach
- Give cyclists space – Florida law requires at least 3 feet when passing a cyclist
- Check twice at intersections – Cyclists might be traveling faster than you think
- Remember cyclists have equal road rights – And equal responsibilities to follow traffic laws
Local Bicycle Month Events You Won’t Want to Miss
Want to join the fun? Here are some ways Melbourne and surrounding Brevard communities are celebrating:
| Event | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Beach-to-Bay Community Ride | Eau Gallie Causeway | March 12 |
| Family Safety Workshop | Wickham Park | March 18 |
| Moonlight Ride on the Causeway | Melbourne Causeway | March 25 |
Note: Check with event organizers for official times and registration requirements.
The View from Two Wheels
Have you ever wondered what it’s like navigating Melbourne’s streets on a bicycle? I spoke with Maria Delgado, who commutes daily from her home near downtown Melbourne to her job at Kennedy Space Center.
“When drivers put their phones down and actually see us, it makes all the difference,” she told me. “Florida Bicycle Month isn’t just for cyclists—it’s about creating awareness for everyone sharing our beautiful roads.”
Maria’s right. The stunning views along our coastal routes are worth experiencing whether you’re on two wheels or four—but they’re also worth protecting through mindful driving habits.
Ready to Make a Difference?
This March, I’m challenging fellow Space Coast residents to take the “Phone-Free Pledge” while driving. It’s simple: keep your device out of sight and mind until you’ve reached your destination.
Not only might you save a cyclist’s life, but you’ll also rediscover the joy of being fully present on our gorgeous Brevard roadways—maybe even noticing that perfect rocket launch view you’ve been missing while scrolling.
Have you had a close call on the road due to distraction? Or are you a cyclist with tips for drivers? Share your story in the comments below—together we can make Florida Bicycle Month a turning point for road safety in our community.
Source: Space Coast HQ