Here’s a handy little guide to the laws in Florida for us bicyclists. Download this pdf to keep on your computer or phone.A bicycle is a vehicle.
[icon_link icon=”file-text-o” link=”http://www.leg.state.fl.us/STATUTES/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.003.html” target=”_blank” class=”statute”]316.003(2)[/icon_link]
A bicycle rider is a “driver.”
[icon_link icon=”file-text-o” link=”http://www.leg.state.fl.us/STATUTES/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.003.html” target=”_blank” class=”statute”]316.003(1)[/icon_link]
A bicyclist has all the rights to the road that a motor vehicle driver has.
[icon_link icon=”file-text-o” link=”http://www.leg.state.fl.us/STATUTES/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/316.2065.html” target=”_blank” class=”statute”]316.2065(1)[/icon_link]
A bicyclist on a sidewalk or crosswalk has the rights and duties of a pedestrians, but pedestrians have right of way and you have to warn of your approach.
[icon_link icon=”file-text-o” link=”http://www.leg.state.fl.us/STATUTES/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/316.2065.html” target=”_blank” class=”statute”]316.2065(11)[/icon_link]
If you break a traffic law for bicycles (Section 316.2065) you can get a penalty.
[icon_link icon=”file-text-o” link=”http://www.leg.state.fl.us/STATUTES/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0300-0399/0318/Sections/0318.18.html” target=”_blank” class=”statute”]318.18[/icon_link]
Ride with the traffic — you’re a car, believe it or not.
[icon_link icon=”file-text-o” link=”http://www.leg.state.fl.us/STATUTES/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.081.html” target=”_blank” class=”statute”]316.081[/icon_link]
Cars can’t cross sidewalks out of parking lots without giving the people (and bikes) on the sidewalk right of way.
[icon_link icon=”file-text-o” link=”http://www.leg.state.fl.us/STATUTES/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.125.html” target=”_blank” class=”statute”]316.125(2)[/icon_link]
You got to follow the traffic laws.
[icon_link icon=”file-text-o” link=”http://www.leg.state.fl.us/STATUTES/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.074.html” target=”_blank” class=”statute”]316.074[/icon_link]
Awwww man, no MP3 player? Nope.
[icon_link icon=”file-text-o” link=”http://www.leg.state.fl.us/STATUTES/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.304.html” target=”_blank” class=”statute”]316.304[/icon_link]
I want to look at my date’s bathing suit while I ride, can I ride next to him or her? Sure, as long as you are not impeding traffic. If that’s the case, (and it usually always is) Single file only.
[icon_link icon=”file-text-o” link=”http://www.leg.state.fl.us/STATUTES/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.2065.html” target=”_blank” class=”statute”]316.2065(5) and (6)[/icon_link]
Man that is a cool fixed gear bike… But it still needs a brake.
[icon_link icon=”file-text-o” link=”http://www.leg.state.fl.us/STATUTES/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.2065.html” target=”_blank” class=”statute”]316.2065(14)[/icon_link]
Tell them to watch out when they open the doors!
[icon_link icon=”file-text-o” link=”http://www.leg.state.fl.us/STATUTES/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.2005.html” target=”_blank” class=”statute”]316.2005 (Opening and Closing Vehicle Doors)[/icon_link]