Archive of questions, answers about Florida bicycle laws and law enforcement
Click the image above to explore lane width in an interactive graphic.[/caption]
The laws that apply to bicyclists relate to two lane widths, narrow and wide. A narrow lane is a substandard-width lane if a motor vehicle cannot travel safely side by side with a bicycle within the lane. In such circumstances a bicyclist need no keep right and may legally impede other traffic
In a wide lane, usually a minimum of 14 feet, bicyclists may not ride two abreast and must keep right to avoid impeding other traffic unless travelling at the same speed or greater than other traffic, passing, preparing for a left turn or avoiding any unsafe or potentially unsafe condition.
Question Larry asked: My name is Larry Wallace and I am the Bike/Ped Coordinator for the Florida Department of Transportation in Fort Lauderdale, FL. I have been receiving several questions regarding what is the law regarding large bicycle groups taking the …
Question Darius asked: Since both motorcycles (including motor scooters) and bicycles can legally share a lane (not split in-between lanes), if I am riding at the same speed as traffic that is slow enough (for example, traffic is only going …
Question Tom asked: Is it lawful to ride two abreast on narrow Key West two-way (One lane each way) streets?
Question Keegan asked: My brother has been to worlds for triathalons for the past 3 years and we both have had question about his training and we haven’t been able to find answers to them for a long time…he trains …
Question Joe asked: Recent tragedy in Davie FL on SR 84. Two cyclists were killed when a driver hit the outside column of riders. Is it legal under FL statute for cyclists to ride side by side in columns on …
Question Anonymous asked: Maybe I’m completely wrong. Saturday, 7/28/18, about 8:30 am, my wife and I were travelling to Leesburg from Orlando. We took County Road 455 as a scenic route on our journey. The portion between The West Orange …
Question Sandy asked: I live in Weston, FL, where there are specific bike lanes. However there are “clubs” that ride together, 2-3-4-5 abreast at times that literally take over the entire right lane for drivers of autos. Is this legal?
Question Yaroslav asked: I had encountered a furious driver, an unproductive argument (with crazy cussing from him) led to calling the police. In short, cops asked me if I rode this road before and where in particular I was on …
Question Mark asked: Do double pacelines violate the statute with reference to riding two abreast when one or both lead riders rotate to the back of the line? At that point, they will be riding three or four abreast.
Question Sean asked: A group of riders and myself (also a rider) were discussing the age old question of whether it’s better, from both a safety and legality standpoint, whether it’s better for us to ride single file in our …