Riding Against the Flow of Traffic
Question
James asked: Is it illegal to ride a bicycle against the flow of traffic down a one-way street in Florida?
Answer
Yes. A bicycle is a vehicle and the operator has the same rights and duties as other drivers when in the roadway, with few exceptions.
s. 316.2065 – Bicycle Regulations
(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 ….
s. 316.081 – Driving on Right Side of Roadway; Exceptions
(1) Upon all roadways of sufficient width, a vehicle shall be driven upon the right half of the roadway ….
Unless there happens to be a continuous shoulder.
James,
When answering this, I assumed you were referring to the roadway and my comments are made accordingly. You actually said “street” which includes the roadway but also the sidewalk, paved or unpaved shoulder and other areas.
s. 316.003 – Definitions
(77) 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 ….
The one-way provision and signage only applies to the roadway.
(64) Roadway – That portion of a highway improved, designed, or ordinarily used for vehicular travel, exclusive of the berm or shoulder.
NE2 is correct that a bicyclist can proceed in either direction on the sidewalk or paved or unpaved shoulder. See other posts for those statutes and precautions.
biking and walking against the traffic is not safe. everyone should go with the flow. people know enough to give room. if walking is that scary to you then stay inside. probably wouldn’t jump out of the way anyway if saw a car coming at you.