Motorized Bicycles 4
Question
Roxanne asked: I was pulled over today for riding my electric bicycle on the street. What are the laws about this? I was told I must to use the sidewalk and follow the pedestrian rules regarding intersections and traffic lights. The officer also implied that I needed bicycle insurance.
Answer
If your motorized bicycle meets the definition of a bicycle, you are entitled to use the roadway just as any other vehicle. See the following posts:
http://flbikelaw.org/2010/03/motorized-bicycles/
http://flbikelaw.org/2010/01/bicycles-must-use-sidewalk/
In the state of Florida, every person driving a registered vehicle must carry the state’s minimum coverage.
s. 324.021 - Definitions; Minimum Insurance Required
(1) Motor Vehicle – Every self-propelled vehicle which is designed and required to be licensed …. but not including any bicycle or moped.
s. 324.022 - Financial Responsibility for Property Damage
(1) Every owner or operator of a motor vehicle required to be registered in this state shall establish and maintain the ability to respond in damages for liability on account of accidents arising out of the use of the motor vehicle in the amount of $10,000 because of damage to, or destruction of, property of others in any one crash.
A bicycle is not a motor vehicle and is not a registered vehicle. No insurance is required.
As a general rule, I would listen to whatever a cop says when they pull you over.
No good can come of any argumentative discussions with an officer.
If there was no bicycle lane, it probably was safer to use the sidewalk and pedal…
I’ve had an officer “stongly suggest” that I use the sidewalk for that particular patch of roadway that did not have a bicycle lane.
I said, thank you for being concerned about my safety, I pulled onto the sidewalk, peddled for a bit, until I got to an area where there was a bicycle lane..(and until I didn’t see the officer any more)
can you give us a little more details as to what type of roadway, what kind (if any) of bicycle lane, what you electric bicycle has, and other pertanent information.
There is no law saying that you HAVE to use the sidewalk.. But it’s better just to let it go for now…
If it becomes a constant occurance then I would say, talk to the local law enforcement and have them show you the statutes that they say are pertinent.
I haven’t seen any local ordinances about bicycle “insurance” however there are some towns that require you to register your bicycle for theft prevention purposes.
Your comment has been redacted. Please refrain from unfounded speculation. This site is intended to discuss the laws. Thanks. Geo