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 …
Category: Sidewalks & Crosswalks
[caption id="attachment_2061" align="alignright" width="300"]
All sides of the intersection are crosswalks — marked or not, regardless of whether the sidewalk is paved or not.[/caption]
All sides of the intersection are crosswalks — marked or not, regardless of whether the sidewalk is paved or not.[/caption]
Sidewalk Operation:
316.2065 (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.
316.2065 (10) A person propelling a bicycle upon and along a sidewalk, or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk, shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing such pedestrian.
Bicycles can be legally operated on all Florida sidewalks and crosswalks unless a local ordinance prohibits it. When on a sidewalk, the operator is operating a vehicle and must use helmets and lights when required, and is subject to the DUI laws. Otherwise, the operator has the rights and duties of a pedestrian, but must yield to all pedestrians.
Resources:
The rights and duties of pedestrians are explained in more detail at Best Foot Forward, an Orlando-based initiative for pedestrian safety.
CommuteOrlando offers a visual primer on crosswalk challenges.
Parking on Sidewalk
Question Jessica asked: I was riding my bike on the sidewalk and a large van was parked illegally blocking my path of the sidewalk. I drove off into the grass to go around the vehicle. The sidewalk and the ground were …
Crosswalk Lights
Question Jeffrey asked: Many busy streets have non-intersection crosswalks, where pedestrians activate flashing yellow (not red) lights to alert traffic to stop to allow pedestrians to cross: Is it legal for a bicyclist to use these if they are not walking …
Sidewalks in Tampa
Question Marlon asked: Is it legal to ride my bicycle on Tampa sidewalks? Answer In general, it is legal to ride on sidewalks unless a local ordinance to the contrary is in effect. s. 316.2065 – Bicycle Regulations (9) A person …
Is a Bicyclist on a Sidewalk a Pedestrian?
Question SO asked: I understand that a bicyclist is a pedestrian when on a sidewalk. Is that correct? Answer No. A bicyclist on the sidewalk is not a pedestrian but has the same rights and duties as a pedestrian under the same circumstances. …
Direction on Sidewalk
Question Herman asked: As we should know by now, here in Florida, per F.S. 316.2065 subsection 9: (9) A person propelling a vehicle by human power upon and along a sidewalk, or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk, …
Riding in the Roadway Required?
Question David asked: When you are riding your bike and there is a designated bike lane are you required by Florida law to ride your bike in that lane and not on the sidewalk? I was riding my bike on …
Bicycle Crash in a Crosswalk
Question Natalie asked: If a cyclist is riding their bike down a sidewalk and crosses a side street are they considered to have the same rights as motorists or as pedestrians? A cyclist was possibly hit while crossing a side …
Dirt Bike on Right of Way
Question Michael asked: Is it illegal to ride my dirt bike on the side of the road with my dirt bike in Florida since it is not street legal? Answer Operating a motor vehicle on the right of way of …
Sidewalk Cyclist and Emergency Vehicles
Question Glen asked: If riding on sidewalk, but not at intersection, do I need to stop when an emergency vehicle is passing by? Answer Drivers of vehicles in the roadway are required to yield to an emergency vehicle or other …