Law Enforcement agencies and the cycling community share a common goal of maintaining a safe and civil traffic system. The Florida Bicycle Law Toolkit is a project to aid Law Enforcement officers in their duties and to enhance the relationship between officers and cyclists. We encourage both officers and cyclists to ask questions, share experiences and participate in discussions. Together, we will make Florida roadways safer, more civil and more accessible for all users.
News, Program Updates and Geo's Answers
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Ron also asked: And to further the rights of a shoulder-traveling cyclist, a vehicle in the oncoming lane of a two-lane road should not overtake another vehicle in the oncoming lane if there is bicycle traffic in the opposite direction if that cycling traffic is in the zone required to effect the pass. Even if the cyclist is on the shoulder, correct?
I have encountered such a situation on a State Road, and it gives one cause for serious concern! read more…
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Ron asked: Does the 3-foot rule apply to vehicles overtaking cyclists that are traveling on the shoulder, outside of the lane edge line? read more…
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Tim asked: It’s clear that if a cyclist is on the roadway they must operate as a vehicle and obey all traffic control devices. However, if a cyclist is traveling outside of the roadway, on a paved shoulder, is the cyclist required to come to a stop at a stop sign or red light when making a right turn? read more…
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Jayne asked: I was always under the impression that registering a bicycle was to help you find it if stolen (serial number would be on this registration), but not a requirement to ride one. I was told recently that it was the law by a police officer in Daytona Beach that every bike has to be registered. Children ride bikes and parents should know this rule if it is in fact a law. read more…
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Keith asked: I almost had a head on collision with a runner in the bike lane the other morning, it was 5.45 am totally dark and he or she was invisible. I emailed the Mayor as to the city’s position on runners running in the road in the bike lane even though it is signposted everywhere as BIKE LANE ONLY and there are sidewalks available. His response was surprising and disappointing and I wondered if anyone out there might know if he was legally wrong?? He said:
“By state law, bike lanes are actually designated for Non Vehicular use, walking, running, bikes, roller blades etc. So yes, they do have the right to be there, and generally bikers are to yield to pedestrian traffic.” read more…
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KC also asked: Are there any statutes about placing obstacles in the bike lane? Specifically, the garbage collectors keep putting the cans down in the middle of the bike lane. Is there an actual law against blocking the lane or putting obstacles in the roadway (since the bike lane is part of the roadway)? read more…
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Empty parking lane on Corrine Drive in Orlando
KC Asked: It seems clear to me that cyclists are not required to ride in an empty parking lane, but how is that defined in terms of as far right as practicable? read more…
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Gabe asked: What are the laws about mopeds and how do they relate to the statutes about bicycling? read more…
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Ray asked: There is a 4-mile loop bike lane in Miami, FL. around the Kendale Lakes Country Club. I notice most of the times I’m approaching a stop sign around the loop, the cars at a stop sign get into the bike lane when trying to make a right turn. They get so far over the bike lane they almost hit the curb. Can these motorists do this, or should they remain in their lane when turning?
Do I need to stop at these stop signs if I’m staying in the bike lane? They just curve right. I am assuming I can pass these vehicles on the right if I’m in the bike lane. As a cyclist in bike lane, must I stop at this sign? I have never seen a cyclist stop there. There are 100’s every day. read more…
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Dan also asked: What should a knowledgeable cyclist do in the case of being told by law enforcement to do something which is not required (ride on the sidewalk), and finally threaten “I’ll write you a citation, get off the road now”? read more…