Direction on Sidewalk

Question

Jay asked:  I run a business here in Largo on Belcher Road S, which is a divided highway on which we sit on the East side. When exiting our driveway which is a right turn only we have had several instances where drivers forget to look for bicycle traffic Southbound as oncoming traffic is only Northbound. We have had debates within our office as to whether cyclists are required to go with the flow of traffic on sidewalks of divided highways due to this potential hazard. Please let us know the correct answer. 

Answer

There are no directional restrictions for bicycles on sidewalks.  The applicable law is this:

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.