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In 1981, the Broward County Board of County Commissioners recognized the need to improve bicycling conditions in the county and created the Broward County Bicycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC). The BPAC is comprised of 10 members, representing cyclists of all ages and abilities. Nine members are appointed by the County Commission, and one member is appointed by the League of Cities. The purpose of this Committee is to advise the County Commission and its staff on all matters related to bicycling.
Since its inception, the Bicycling Advisory and Pedestrian Committee has been involved in a wide variety of bicycling issues and projects. When considering issues, the Committee is guided by these principles:
- Bicycles are vehicles.
- Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as a motorist.
- Bicyclists' abilities vary and a variety of facilities need to be developed to serve them.
To solve problems facing bicyclists, the Committee works on projects in four categories:
Engineering & Planning: Broward County's roads are constantly changing and the Committee works closely with agencies at a state and county level to ensure that roadways are developed to meet the needs of bicyclists. In addition to the roadway network, the BPAC strives to provide bicycle access along canal banks Advisory Committee strives to educate bicyclists and motorists of their rights and responsibilities as roadway users, and on how to interact with each other. The BPAC also works to educate elected officials, their staff and law enforcement officers on what makes an area bicycle-friendly.
Encouragement: Making the bicycle useful as a healthful non-polluting form of transportation is an important function of the Bicycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. However, the committee also promotes bicycling "just for the fun of it." Whether it is track racing, mountain bike riding, bicycle commuting, or a trip to the store or the beach, the BPAC works to make the bicycling experience more enjoyable.
Enforcement: BPAC encourages enforcement of traffic laws for both bicyclists and motorists.
Bicycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee Major Accomplishments
- An In-School Bicycle/Traffic Safety Education Program in the Broward County Public Schools
- Hiring of a Full-time Bicycle Coordinator
- Bicycle Sharing Roadway Signs on S.R. A1A and the Intracoastal Bridges
- Construction of the Brian Piccolo Park Velodrome (Florida's only banked bicycle racing track)
- Mountain Bike Trails at Markham Park
- National Certification of Eight Broward County Residents as Bicycling Instructors
If You Have a Vision for Bicycling, the BPAC May Help You Realize It
The Bicycling and Pedestrian Advisory Committee meets at 7:00 p.m. once per month at the Broward County Governmental Center, 115 South Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale. Public attendance is encouraged and input is welcomed. If you have an idea for a monthly bicycling event or a good spot for a bicycle/pedestrian bridge, the BPAC is a good place to start.
Additionally, the BPAC has a tax-deductible trust fund which has been used to help fund traffic safety education programs, construct the Safety Town at Tree Tops Park, and print bicycle safety brochures.
If you would like to make a contribution to the trust fund, make your check payable to the Broward County Board of County Commissioners. The memo on the check should read "Bicycling Advisory Committee Trust Fund." Send your donation to:
Broward County Bicycle Coordinator
115 S. Andrews Ave
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
For more information on the BPAC or its Trust Fund call 954-357-6641.
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