Bicycles on Sidewalks

Question:

Can bicycles use the sidewalk?

Answer:

There is no state statute requiring or prohibiting cyclists’ use of the sidewalk.  There may be a local ordinance and signage that could prohibit sidewalk use.  When on the sidewalk, cyclists must follow the same rules as a pedestrian, yield to pedestrians, and signal when passing.

FS 316.2065 – Bicycle Regulations

(10)  A person propelling a vehicle by human power upon or along a sidewalk,or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk, has ll the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian under the same circumstances.

(11)  A person propelling a bicycle upon or along a sidewalk, or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk, shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing such pedestrian.

Note that the operator of a bicycle on the sidewalk is still operating a vehicle, and is not a pedestrian.  Other statutes about helmets, lights, etc. still apply.

Sidewalks are designed for pedestrians, and bicyclists on the sidewalk must exercise “due care” to avoid a collision with a pedestrian.  Speeds should be commensurate with the conditions.  Simply yelling “passing’ and blowing by a pedestrian is not only rude, it is also a violation of the statutes.

Although legal, riding on the sidewalk, particularly against the flow of traffic in the roadway, is hazardous:

• At intersections and driveways, motorists are not expecting traffic from the right.
• Bicyclists on the sidewalk may not be able to see traffic signs and signals.