Age of Cyclists

Question

Olimpia asked:  Does a child have to be a certain age to legally ride on a highway? (accompanied by an adult)

Answer

Short answer – No

In order to fully answer that question, we need to understand the legal definitions.

The highway includes the entire area between the boundaries of the right of way.  The roadway, shoulder, the sidewalk and sidewalk area (Lacking a paved sidewalk) are parts of the highway.

s. 316.003 – Definitions

(53) Street or Highway

(a) The entire width between the boundary lines of every way or place of whatever nature when any part thereof is open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular traffic

(42) Roadway – That portion of a highway improved, designed, or ordinarily used for vehicular travel, exclusive of the berm or shoulder.

(47) Sidewalk – That portion of a street between the curbline, or the lateral line, of a roadway and the adjacent property lines, intended for use by pedestrians.

There is no age limit for cyclists, young or older, using the sidewalk, the roadway or any other part of the highway, whether with an adult or not.

The only age limit related to cycling is that children under 16 must wear helmets whether in the roadway, on the sidewalk or in any other location.  See the “helmets” tag in the tag cloud.