Archive of questions, answers about Florida bicycle laws and law enforcement
Generally, bicyclists and other operators of human powered vehicles have the same rights and duties as other drivers unless specified in the statutes.
For example, cyclists must not drive too fast for the conditions:
s. 316.183 – Unlawful Speed
(1)No person shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing.
but are not subject to the slow speed and impeding traffic provision because they are not motor vehicles.
(5)No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic
Under certain conditions, cyclists must keep right and in bike lanes, but there are many exceptions specified in the statutes.
Bicyclists on the sidewalk have the same rights and duties as pedestrians.
The most basic right of all vehicle operators, including bicyclists, is that they are entitled to the use of the roadway.
Question Samuel asked: Can I ride my class 3 ebike off road, like in the grass far from traffic, or out in nature? Answer The statute allows electric bicycles anywhere that bicycles are allowed. s. 316.20655 – Electric Bicycle Regulations …
Question Susan asked: Is legal to ride road bikes across bridges, specifically on the Manatee and Cortez bridges from Bradenton to Anna Maria Island? The pedestrian lanes seem narrow and people walk and ride casual bikes on them in random …
Question George asked: Can I ride my Bicycle through the Orlando Airport, traveling north or south on Access Road/ Jeff Fuqua Blvd Answer That appears to be a limited access roadway and if so, bicycles are not permitted. s. 316.091 – Limited Access Facilities; …
Question Patricia asked: I am in a private FL RV resort with one way direction of paved streets not all having sidewalks. I saw an elderly lady moving along on her mobility scooter. She was directed that she had to travel …
Question Jeff asked: Officer ____ tasered a bicycle rider who failed to obey the officer’s command to stop. The incident started when the bicycle rider popped a wheelie through an intersection in front of the patrol car. “In response to the …
Question Robin asked: Is there a law re: whether a cyclist rides with or against traffic? Answer A bicyclist is operating a vehicle and must follow the same laws as other drivers except as noted in the Bicycle Regulations. Please see this …
Question Larry asked: My name is Larry Wallace and I am the Bike/Ped Coordinator for the Florida Department of Transportation in Fort Lauderdale, FL. I have been receiving several questions regarding what is the law regarding large bicycle groups taking the …
Question MW stated: Not a question, but an attempt to make known that The Hillsboro Police Dept. is issuing $165.00 tickets on first offense to bicyclist for traveling on A1A between Deerfield Beach and Pompano. Added to Light House Point’s …
Question Paul asked: Is it illegal to ride a bike with somebody else? Answer s. 316.2065 – Bicycle Regulations (3)(a) A bicycle may not be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is …
Question Jennifer asked: Does Florida law state that if it is too dangerous for a bicyclist to ride on the right side of the road with traffic that they can choose to ride on the left? Answer State law requires …