Bicycles on Ft. Lauderdale Beaches
Question
Patti asked: Can I ride my bike on the sand at Ft. Lauderdale beaches?
Answer
Although motor vehicles may not be operated on Ft. Lauderdale beaches, I can find no prohibition to riding bicycles there.
Ft. Lauderdale Code of Ordinances
Sec. 8-77. – Operation of vehicles.
It shall be unlawful for any person to drive or operate a motor vehicle upon the public beach; provided that this provision shall not apply to regular employees of the city working under the direction and supervision of the city or those persons authorized by the city manager or his designee for a specific purpose such as city contractors, outside maintenance crews or special event work crews under the terms and conditions contained in such authorization.
You should also be observant of any signage about riding bicycles on city property.
Sec. 26-182. – Riding on city property.
(a) No person shall ride a bicycle or skateboard or rollerskate or in-line skate upon a sidewalk or any city property where signs are erected prohibiting such activity. The areas where such activities are prohibited shall be designated by resolution of the city commission, and such areas shall be posted accordingly.
If you are a city resident, you must register your bicycle with the police.
Sec. 26-183. – Bicycle registration.
(c) It shall be the duty of any person residing within the city who owns any bicycle to register such bicycle with the police department in accordance with the provisions of this section.
(e) Bicycle registration is optional for out-of-city residents who ride their bicycles within the city. Proof of out-of-city residency shall be requested when a bicycle is unregistered and out-of-city residency is claimed. In the event out-of-city residency cannot be established, the bicycle shall be handled as an in-city, non-registered bicycle. The police department shall make every reasonable effort to verify residency.
You can search the ordinances here:
https://www.municode.com/library/fl/fort_lauderdale/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COORFOLAFL
You could also ask a police officer or lifeguard.
Check for signs on the beach or the entrance to the beach, it usually says something if bikes are not allowed.