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 John asked: If the operator of a motor vehicle should hit and injure a bicycle rider who is in the bike lane but riding the wrong direction, would the driver be held legally liable for the accident and or …
Motorist Crash with Wrong Way Cyclist in a Bike Lane Read more »
Question Alex asked: So I got a ticket while riding my bike in Lake Mary at the intersection of Lake Mary Blvd. and Rhinehart Rd. for essentially failing to obey the pedestrian “walk” signal (316.130), even though I rode my …
Question CJ asked: I live in a housing area with private streets (i.e., we pay for the maintenance of our sidewalks and streets.) We have stop signs. Are bicyclists in our area required to follow Florida law, like stopping at …
Question Dave asked: I want to buy a 4 wheel pedal powered ( bike for 2 ) factory built vehicle which is like two bikes hitched together, for two people. It does not quite fit the definitions that I have …
Question Nathan asked: If two cyclists are on the shoulder, one with (motorized) traffic and the other against traffic, who has right of way?
Question George asked: I was stopped by an officer for being on wrong side of the road. The road has no lines or markings of any kind. He said he stopped me for being on the wrong side. Is there …
Question Chuck asked: My 22 year old son was stopped by a Lake County Deputy Sheriff this morning at 6:00 am and told it was illegal for him to ride in the right most portion of Hwy 27 near Lake …
Question Stephen asked: When riding a bicycle on roads in FL, which direction is correct? WITH or AGAINST traffic? And could you provide the specific law associated with the answer?
Question Civil asked: I’d like to respectfully refute your article, only because, the laws are conflicting. Bicycles are ‘vehicles’ NOT ‘pedestrians’ and thus SHOULD NOT ride on side walks or mingle with pedestrians. NO ‘vehicles’ and ‘pedestrians’ should mingle. In …
Question Jan asked: I remember a few years when I moved to FL the FDOT traffic laws for cyclists stated that communities COULD prohibit bikes from sidewalks, but in general, COULD NOT prohibit bikes from roadways (limited access roads excepted). …