Ray asked:  There is a 4-mile loop bike lane in Miami, FL. around the Kendale Lakes Country Club.  I notice most of the times I’m approaching a stop sign around the loop, the cars at a stop sign get into the bike lane when trying to make a right turn. They get so far over the bike lane they almost hit the curb.   Can these motorists do this, or should they remain in their lane when turning?

Do I need to stop at these stop signs if I’m staying in the bike lane? They just curve right.  I am assuming I can pass these vehicles on the right if I’m in the bike lane.  As a cyclist in bike lane, must I stop at this sign? I have never seen a cyclist stop there. There are 100’s every day.

Answer

With regard to the first part, it sounds as though the motorists are doing exactly what the statutes require, moving as close to the rightmost curb or edge of he roadway as is practicable when preparing for a right turn.  See: Motor Vehicles in Bike Lanes

Please see the following posts about the statutes and safe cycling practices in these situations: Right Turns and Bicycles Passing on the Right.

The only difference is that in your situation, there is not a substandard-width lane.  Rather, there is a bike lane, which is a separate lane.  The fact that the law allows passing on the right does not mean it is safe.  Caution is advised when passing on the right.  That particularly applies when approaching intersections.  Although the motorist is required to insure the lane is clear before moving right to prepare for the turn, it may not happen.

As to the second part, whether cyclists must stop in these situations, the laws impart the same rights and same duties to cyclists as they do drivers of other vehicles with few exceptions.  The operative word here is DUTIES.  If you would stop when driving your motor vehicle, there is no difference in the requirement in the law for a cyclist.

FS 316.075 – Traffic Control Signal Devices

(c)  Steady red indication

1.  Vehicular traffic facing a steady red signal shall stop …. and shall remain standing until a green indication is shown.

FS 316.123 – Vehicle Entering Stop or Yield Intersection

(2)(a)  ….every driver of a vehicle approaching a stop intersection indicated by a stop sign shall stop …. After having stopped, the driver shall yield the right-of way

That said, please see: Idaho Rolling Stop Law

A common practice of cyclists (and motorists) is to slow and insure there is no conflict, yield as appropriate, and roll through the stop sign.  Some may consider that appropriate for stop signs, but it would be hard to make that case for red lights.

Although some might consider it a safe practice, Florida law does not permit that for cyclists or motorists.

Linda also asked:  Is this correct and does it fit within the Florida laws?

http://www.floridabicycle.org/rules/groups.html

“At a stop, bunch-up and take control of the lane. This allows the group to proceed through the intersection as rapidly as possible.”

Answer:

The purpose of traffic laws is to facilitate safe and efficient traffic flow.  The statutes do not account for every eventuality.  All roadways are not constructed to meet the optimal needs of all users.

One provision that applies states that cyclists are NOT required to “keep right” when traveling at the same speed as, or faster than, other traffic.

FS 316.2065 – Bicycle Regulations

(5)(a)  Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic … shall ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway….

Clearly, when approaching a stop sign or light, traffic is slowing to stop and cyclists are not traveling at less than the normal speed of traffic.  Keeping to the far right might encourage motorists to try to pass or right hook the group during the transition from the approach, the stop, and the exit from the intersection.  Very dangerous!

Some might argue the “no more than two abreast” rule, but under the circumstances it doesn’t seem to be of relative importance and is only academic, considering the benefits of the group proceeding through the intersection in a timely manner.

Imagine a long line of cyclists in a single line waiting and taking turns to proceed through an intersection.  It could be very frustrating for motorists behind the group and for those in the other lanes.

Another situation that has similar implications is a group riding single file in a narrow lane on a two-way roadway.  If the group is large, it is very difficult for motorists to legally and safely overtake and pass.  You may have experienced an impatient or frustrated motorist misjudging the time to pass, and the unpleasant consequences.  There is no statutory maximum group size (At present anyway – Cyclists take heed!).  However, it would behoove us all to break into smaller groups to facilitate passing.

I believe the FBA article is trying to encourage cyclists to be polite and move through the intersection as quickly and efficiently as possible.  There doesn’t seem to be a contradiction to the laws.

Linda Asked:  My husband and son ride in a large group and wondered how the stop signs should apply when riding.  Should cyclists as a group be treated the same as one vehicle?  Or would they instead, one rider at a time, roll up to the stop sign, unclip, put their foot down, stop, and then proceed.

According to the Florida Bicycle Association, the Lead Rider is supposed to stop for the group.  Then the group can proceed through the intersection.

http://www.floridabicycle.org/rules/groups.html

“Lead riders should stop at all stop signs and red lights—always respecting the right-of-way of others.”

Answer:

There is no provision in the statutes that allows a group of cyclists to act as a single entity.  Each bicycle is a vehicle and each cyclist is responsible for compliance with the laws and must act accordingly.

I believe the quote above from the FBA Group Riding article is not implying that ONLY the lead rider must stop.  Rather, it is saying that the lead rider must stop, thereby encouraging the rest in the group to stop.

FS 316.075 – Traffic Control Signal Devices

(c)  Steady red indication
1.  Vehicular traffic facing a steady red signal shall stop …. and shall remain standing until a green indication is shown.

(Right turns and left turns from a one-way street onto another one-way street are permitted after yielding to all other traffic.)

FS 316.123 – Vehicle Entering Stop or Yield Intersection

(2)(a)  ….every driver of a vehicle approaching a stop intersection indicated by a stop sign shall stop …. After having stopped, the driver shall yield the right-of way (as required)

There is no stated requirement in the statutes to unclip and put one foot down.  The purpose of the stop sign is to assure safety and designate respective right-of-way.  With a little practice, a cyclist approaching a stop sign can stay on the pedals and come to a stop momentarily, then proceed if clear and otherwise safe.  Some cyclists can remain stationary indefinitely while standing on the pedals in a track-stand.  Simply coming to a stop, even if only for a second, would seem to meet the intent of the statute, if the cyclist otherwise yields as required.

Be cautioned that in some jurisdictions (Not in Florida that I know of), a case has been successfully made that the intent of the law cannot be met without the foot-down stop.

Stopping at a red light or a stop sign becomes much more complex when in a group.  We need to consider not only traffic in the other lanes, but the cyclists around us.  Extra caution is warranted.