BICYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYER

According to Florida law, a bicycle is defined as a "vehicle" and the bicyclist is a "driver".  As a result, bicyclists enjoy the same rights to Florida's roadways, and, therefore, must obey the same traffic laws as drivers of other vehicles.  

BICYCLE REGULATIONS - Florida Statute 316.2065

• A bicyclist must obey all traffic controls and signals.
• A bicyclist must use a fixed, regular seat for riding.
• No bicycle may be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed or equipped.
• Parents and guardians must not knowingly allow a child or minor to violate any provisions of this section.
• Every bicycle must be equipped with a brake or brakes which allow the rider to stop within 25 feet from a speed of 10 miles per hour on dry, level, clean pavement.   

SIDEWALK RIDING - Florida Statute 316.2065

• When riding on sidewalks or in crosswalks, a bicyclist has the same rights and duties as a pedestrian.
• A bicyclist riding on sidewalks or in crosswalks must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and must give an audible signal signal before passing.

LIGHTING - Florida Statute 316.2065

• A bicycle operated between sunset and sunrise must be equipped with a lamp on the front exhibiting a white light visible from 500 feet to the front and both a red reflector and a lamp on the rear exhibiting a red light visible from 600 feet to the rear.
• Additional lighting is permitted and recommended.

ROADWAY POSITION - Florida Statute 316.2065

• A bicyclist who is not traveling at the same speed of other traffic must ride in a designated bike lane or as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.  A bicyclist may leave the right-most portion of the road in the following situations: when passing another vehicle moving in the same direction; when preparing for a left turn; when reasonable necessary to avoid any condition or potential conflict including, but not limited to, a fixed moving object, parked or moving vehicle, pedestrian, animal, surface hazard, or turn lane; when a lane is too narrow for a bicycle and another vehicle to travel safely side by side.
• A bicyclist operating on a one-way street with two or more traffic lanes may ride as close to the left-hand edge of the roadway as practicable.
• Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.  Persons riding two abreast shall not impede traffic when traveling at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions existing, and shall ride within a single lane.

LEFT TURNS - Florida Statute 316.151(1)(b)(c)

• A bicyclist intending to make a vehicle left turn is entitled to full use of the lane from which the turn is made.  After scanning, signaling, and moving to the center of that lane, the bicyclist must check the signal, then proceed when it is green and safe to do so.
• In addition to the normal vehicle left turn, a bicyclist may proceed through the right-most portion of the intersection and turn as close to the curb or edge as possible at the far side.  After complying with any official traffic control device, the bicyclist may proceed in the new direction.

SIGNALING TURNS - Florida Statute 316.155(2) and 316.157(2)

• A signal of intention to turn must be given during the last 100 feet traveled by the vehicle before turning.  If a bicyclist needs both hands for control, the signal need not be given continuously.
• A bicyclist may signal intent to turn right either by extending the left hand and arm upward or by extending the right hand and arm horizontally to the right side of the bicycle.

HEADSETS - Florida Statute 316.304

• A bicyclist may not wear a headset, headphone, or other listening device other than a hearing aid when riding.  Wearing a headset blocks out important audio clues needed to detect the presence of other traffic.