Lights on the Sidewalk

Question

Quinton asked: Are lights still required at night even though you are riding your bike on sidewalk?

Answer

When on a sidewalk, a cyclist has the rights and duties of a pedestrian.

s. 316.2065 – Bicycle Regulations

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

The cyclist is operating a bicycle, which must be equipped with lights as follows:

(7) Every bicycle in use between sunset and sunrise shall be equipped with a lamp on the front exhibiting a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front and a lamp and reflector on the rear each exhibiting a red light visible from a distance of 600 feet to the rear. A bicycle or its rider may be equipped with lights or reflectors in addition to those required by this section.

Note that the statute does not limit the use of lights to bicycle in the roadway or any other location. When on the sidewalk at night, lights are required.

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