Bikes on Sidewalks
Question Dior asked: Are road bikes allowed to be used on the sidewalk?
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.
Electric Scooters
Question Randy asked: I have a Huffy Buzz battery powered scooter. It has a top speed of 11mph. I was stopped by an Orange County sheriff today and he said the only place I can drive it is my driveway. …
Bells on Bikes
Question Seymour asked: Is a bicyclist required to have a bell or some other warning equipment when riding on a sidewalk in Orlando or Winter Park, Fl?
Which Direction?
Question Lynnessa asked: Is it illegal to ride your bike down a one-way street against the flow of traffic? Is it illegal to ride your bike down the sidewalk of a one-way street against the flow of traffic?
Bicycles on the Sidewalk
Question Jim asked: I was driving my car on US 1 and wanted to turn right into a Publix shopping plaza and two Adult bicyclists were riding on a sidewalk and were not paying attention and turned at the same …
Bike Path Stop Pavement Markings
Question Dan asked: Are pathway pavement markings indicating pathway users to stop at side streets and driveways – primarily in locations where adjacent roadway traffic isn’t required to stop – enforceable if there’s no corresponding traffic control device (i.e. …
Local Authorities and Sidewalk Cycling
Question Jeff asked: What is the statute and requirements whereby municipalities and cities such as St. Augustine may prohibit bicycles from being ridden on sidewalks?
Electric Skateboards
Question Richard asked: I recently purchased an electric skateboard from BoostedBoards (boostedboards.com). These are electric skateboards designed as commuter boards with electric motors, 20mph speeds, and regenerative brakes. I’m perplexed by where I am legally allowed to ride. I reside …
Sidewalk Cycling Vero Beach
Question Mary asked: Is it ok by Vero Beach, Florida law to ride your bike on the sidewalk on Route 60, west of town?
Cyclists at Stop Signs
Question Colleen asked: My daughter was riding her bicycle in the bike lane on roads of a Florida college campus. She came to a 3-way stop and slowed but saw no one was coming and continued thru the intersection. She …