Archive of questions, answers about Florida bicycle laws and law enforcement
All sides of the intersection are crosswalks — marked or not, regardless of whether the sidewalk is paved or not.[/caption]
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.
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.
Question Euallia asked (Stated):Bicyclists are RUDE, sophomoric and dangerous to those of us walking on sidewalks. They come from behind us, making no noise, expecting – no arrogantly demanding – that WE move off the “WALKWAY” so they can …
Question T. Mairs asked: At a T-intersection, with a road running along the top of the “T”, there is a sidewalk (part of the “Walk the Rock” path). There is a community that meets the main sidewalk that has decided …
Question Daryl asked: Has the law always been stated to ride with the traffic?
Question E. asked: If a bicyclist gets off his or her bike while crossing a four lane highway (U.S 1) to accompany a pedestrian, or just to cross the cement island, is it legal and less nerve-wreaking on car drivers? …
Question Kathy asked: I hit a bicyclist yesterday. I did not see him. He’s okay. His bike will need a new front wheel. Thankfully, it was a very slow/low impact accident as I had just put my vehicle in first …
Question Cyndi asked: Has FBA ever offered local newspapers a series of articles covering common bike laws and rules of the road? This would make good print and online content…even with video to help drive the messages home. From what …
Question Patrick asked: s. 316.2065 – Bicycle Regulations states bicyclist should give an audible signal when passing a pedestrian. I am either walking or riding my bike almost everyday. I very seldom hear any bicyclist doing this. Is it time …
Question Eric asked: I was hit by a car yesterday while riding my bike. I was crossing an intersection and someone that was making a right did not look and hit me. I got license plate number and make and …
Question Vitaly asked: I have 2 questions. 1st. is in regards to statue s. 316.125 where it says that as a driver entering a highway we have to yield to pedestrians and bicycles, but there is no statue if we …
I just discovered that the original July 2009 post about bicycles on sidewalks is missing, so it is restated here.