|  Florida
Law treats bicycle riders of all ages the same as motor
vehicle drivers, except for licensing requirements and
laws which by their nature can have no application to
bicycles. The law imposes additional requirements on bicyclists,
most of which are contained in Section 316.2065, Florida
Statutes. The major requirements are summarized below.
- When operated on a street, a bicycle
is subject to the same rules which apply to motor vehicles.
A bicyclist must travel in the same direction as other
traffic and obey all traffic control signs and signals
(stop signs, traffic lights, etc.). Bicyclists also
are required to use hand signals when turning or stopping.
Except when turning left or passing, bicycles must be
kept as close as practicable to the right side of the
road (or left if on a one-way street).
- Unless signs are posted prohibiting access,
Florida law permits bicycles to be ridden on all streets
and highways other than interstates, Florida's Turnpike,
and similar limited-access roads. Bicycles also are
permitted on sidewalks except where prohibited by Local
ordinance.
- Bicycles may not be ridden more than
two abreast. When ridden two abreast, bicycles may not
impede the normal flow of traffic and must occupy only
a single lane.
- When on a sidewalk or crosswalk, a bicyclist
has the same rights and responsibilities as a pedestrian.
However, a bicyclist must yield the right-of-way to
a pedestrian and must give an audible signal before
overtaking and passing a pedestrian.
- When operated between dusk and dawn,
a bicycle must be equipped with a headlamp exhibiting
a white light visible from at least 500 feet and both
a lamp and a reflector on the rear, each exhibiting
a red light visible from at least 200 feet. Additional
lights and reflectors, both on the bicycle and on the
rider, are permitted and encouraged when riding at night
in order to increase the visibility of the bicycle for
drivers of other vehicles.
- All bicycles must be equipped with brakes.
The brakes must be capable of stopping a bicycle going
10 miles per hour within 25 feet on dry,
level, clear pavement.
- The driver of a bicycle must be on a
permanent seat and keep at least one hand on the handlebars
at all times. Bicyclists may not attach themselves or
their bicycles to other vehicles.
- The number of people allowed to ride
on a bicycle is limited to the number for which the
bicycle is designed or equipped. Passengers may not
be carried on the handlebars or frame of the bicycle.
However, an adult may carry a child in a sling or a
backpack while riding a bicycle (this is not recommended
for very young infants). Trailers may be attached to
bicycles for carrying cargo.
- For children under 15 years old, the
fine for a violation of a traffic law when operating
a bicycle is $17. Bicyclists 15 and older receive the
same fines as motor vehicle drivers, but are not assessed
points against their driver's licenses. Parents or legal
guardians may be cited for a non-moving traffic violation
for knowingly allowing their minor children to operate
a bicycle in violation of the special bicycle regulations
contained in Section 316.2065, Florida Statutes.
- All children age 16 and under must
wear a helmet while riding a bicycle.
Source:Traffic
Crash Facts Special Report: Bicycle Crashes In Florida
by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor
Vehicles, June 1993
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