Bicycle Basics
Question
Luis asked: What are the basic things I need to ride a bike and not be fined?
Answer
As far as equipment, you will need proper brakes, lights if riding at night or inclement weather, and a helmet if under 16 years of age.
s. 316.2065 – Bicycle Regulations
(3)(d) A bicycle rider or passenger who is under 16 years of age must wear a bicycle helmet that is properly fitted and is fastened securely upon the passenger’s head by a strap
(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.
(13) Every bicycle shall be equipped with a brake or brakes which will enable its rider to stop the bicycle within 25 feet from a speed of 10 miles per hour on dry, level, clean pavement.
In almost all circumstances, since you are operating a vehicle, you must follow the same traffic regulations as other drivers. See other posts on this site for the details and applicable laws.
(1) Every person propelling a vehicle by human power has all of the rights and all of the duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle ….
Recently I have noticed a few riders using their flashing lights during the day. I think this is a great idea. Instead of FDOT sponsoring Nascar to promote bicycle safety they could use the Alert Today Alive Tomorrow campaign to inform cyclist of the benefits of using lights during the day. It would also be nice if instead of giving Nascar $200K they could expand the light giveaway program.
This might sound funny but, can I pull a kayak behind my bike
Daniel,
That doesn’t sound funny at all. There is no law that prohibits it. In fact, I am aware of a plan a while back to have a group of people on bikes towing kayaks from Key West to Pensacola, stopping along the way to paddle good locations. Don’t know whether it happened or not.