Law Enforcement agencies and the cycling community share a common goal of maintaining a safe and civil traffic system. The Florida Bicycle Law Toolkit is a project to aid Law Enforcement officers in their duties and to enhance the relationship between officers and cyclists. We encourage both officers and cyclists to ask questions, share experiences and participate in discussions. Together, we will make Florida roadways safer, more civil and more accessible for all users.
Melanie asked: I have done some research and have discovered that an electric scooter is classified as a bicycle if: It can be powered manually (by pedaling) as well as have a power assist electric motor not to exceed 750 watts, a 25″ seat at its highest extension and will not exceed 20mph. A drivers’ license is not required to operate a “bicycle” as defined by Florida law.
Can an “electric assist motor scooter” be operated without a drivers’ license as well? Please do not refer me to the Florida statutes, I have gone over and over them and cannot come up with a clear conclusion of the law regarding this issue. read more…
Jeff asked: A ribbon of pavement exists to the right of the white stripe of the right-hand-most through traffic lane. It appears to have been designed and constructed to the specifications of a bicycle lane. However, there are no lane markings or signage indicating that it is a bicycle lane. What is it?
I forgot to mention that the right hand edge of this ribbon of pavement is bounded by a curb. Now, what is it? How is any layman supposed to know? read more…
John asked: Recently my friend and I were stopped for impeding traffic on a road way of less than 14 feet. I looked up the law on your site which states on roadways less then 14 ft, the vehicle passes must use the oncoming lane to pass safely. The local Sheriff’s Department states that if a car must use the on coming lane to pass then it is interpreted as impeding traffic. My question is even if a single bicycle rider was passed on a 14 or less width roadway, then is not enough clearance to give the bicyclist 3 feet clearance on the pass without using the on coming lane. Which is it? read more…
Jerry asked: I’m trying to find out about Florida law on bicycles with a gas power-assist engine prior to buying one.
a. Do the rules vary by county? I’ve heard that is ok, simply follow the rules of the road, have a headlight and tail light, and be over 16 years of age. No insurance or registering is required.
b. I’ve seen two bicycles for sale, one with a 48cc engine, and the other with a 66cc engine. Would both engines be ok to ride on the street?
c. Can you kindly refer me to a website link that further explains or reviews this? read more…
Barbara asked: If I am traveling the direction of the arrow in the bike lane and a pedestrian is walking toward me and pushes me off my bike and hurts me is this a problem? read more…
Too frequently, we receive reports of bicyclists being harassed or threatened while riding as legal roadway users. Fortunately, these incidents are only due to a very small part of the population. However, they always have the potential to be deadly.
As a part of the Bicycle Law Enforcement Program, we want to propose a uniform response throughout the state. We appreciate your ideas about an effective response to these incidents to propose to law enforcement and the cycling community.
The video below was taken by Keri Caffrey, the web designer and graphics artist for this program. She knows the laws and safe cycling practices. As you watch the video, also note the number of vehicles, including other trucks, which pass without incident (normal and safe passing is demonstrated in the second half of the video).
There is also an article on the CommuteOrlando website that addresses the issue of how to report and seek justice in cases of harassment and intimidation: Fighting Back Against Roadway Terrorists.
Unfortunately, many bicyclists feel that reports of these incidents to law enforcement do not receive serious attention. My experience is that the feelings are justified. read more…
Frank asked: I tried looking up what the fine is for riding an electric bicycle (under electric power) on a sidewalk. Can you tell me what that may be? read more…
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