Dismount Before Crossing Roadway?
Question Debbie asked: When I was younger, I was taught that bicyclists must get off their bicycles at crosswalks and walk their bikes across the road. I do not see this done any more, and was wondering if the law …
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.
Car Stopped on Sidewalk Area
Question Joseph asked: A car has pulled over a sidewalk, after checking the sidewalk for pedestrians and cyclists, to wait for an opening to make a right turn. While waiting a bicycle approaches from the right. Should the cyclist wait …
Lighting and Bike Racks at Buildings
Question Hector asked: What are the rules on placement and lighting of bike racks in front of buildings in the state of FL?
Sarasota Sidewalk Cycling
Question Linda asked: Is it legal to ride bicycle on a sidewalk in Sarasota, Fl?
Bikes on Sidewalks PB County
Question Gianna asked: I would love to take my Beach Cruiser for a ride around town. The drivers are so reckless though. Am I allowed to ride my Cruiser on the sidewalk in Palm Beach County? Preferably down Okeechobee Blvd. …
Bikes on Sidewalks Orange County FL
Question James asked: I live in unincorporated Orange County FL. Are there any prohibitions against riding a bicycle on a sidewalk?
Local Authorities, Sidewalks and Roadways
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). …
Sidewalk Cyclists
Question Jean asked: What’s the position of bikes on the sidewalk ridden by adults?
Closing Sidewalks for Work Zones
Question Frans asked: Recently a lot of construction has been going on around my town. First thing they do close of sidewalk. (No access period) and side strips. So a long stretch of 41 is being redone. The above is …
Trail Signals
Question Harry asked: How can it be legal for a DOT to install a traffic control device, which some people are incapable of obeying? FDOT is redesigning a road crossing on a rural shared-use path because it installed traffic signals …