What are the Bicycle Laws in Florida?
Florida is a center for tourism, with many tourists biking around to access the area’s major attractions. Given the number of tourists who decide to travel on two wheels, it is no wonder that the state has specific laws pertaining to various biking situations.
In this blog, our Florida bicycle accident attorneys discuss the Sunshine State’s unique biking rules and regulations.
You Must Have a Functional Seat
Unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise, you must have a permanent and regular seat installed on your bicycle.
You Cannot Carry Passengers on Certain Bikes
According to Florida Stat. §316.2065(3)(a), a bicycle cannot transport more people than intended. The major exception is an adult rider is allowed to carry a child in a backpack or sling fastened to their back.
You Must Ensure a Child Passenger is Protected
If you are transporting a child under the age of four or who weighs 40 pounds or less, a rider must use a seat or carrier that protects the child from any moving parts of the bicycle. Additionally, a rider cannot allow a child to remain in the seat if the rider is not in complete control of the bicycle at any given point.
You Cannot Attach Yourself to a Motor Vehicle
Although a strange stipulation, the law clearly states that pedal cyclists cannot attach their bicycles or themselves to a motor vehicle on the roadway. The only exception is attaching a bicycle trailer or bicycle semitrailer to a bike if designed for such a purpose.
Your Bike Must Have Working Brakes
Although it may seem obvious, bicycle law in Florida requires that bicycles be equipped with working brakes.
You Must Keep One Hand on the Handlebars
While biking with no hands is considered dangerous and not attempted by many riders, Florida law requires that a rider must have at least one hand on the handlebars at all times.
You Must Have a Bike Lamp and Reflector When Riding at Night
Bicyclists riding between sunset and sunrise must be equipped with lights and reflectors. If you decide to ride at night, a white lamp must be fastened to the front of the bicycle, visible 500 feet ahead. Additionally, a red-light reflector must be fastened to the rear, visible 600 feet behind the bicycle.
Cyclists are Allowed to Ride on the Sidewalk
Unlike other states that prohibit sidewalk use, cyclists in Florida are allowed to ride on the sidewalk. However, bicyclists must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and give an audible warning signal (something along the lines of “behind you!”) when approaching a pedestrian from behind.
Bicycle Laws Do Not Prevent All Accidents
Even following these bicycle regulations, a rider can still be injured in an accident. These accidents are typically not the fault of the rider but due to a motorist or multiple motorists not following traffic laws, such as giving cyclists the three feet of space required by law when passing. All road users owe each other care, and that includes vehicle operators, who must remain diligent when sharing the road with cyclists.
Consult a Florida Bicycle Accident Attorney at Your Earliest Convenience
If you or a loved one have been hurt in a bicycle accident, now is the time to take action. In Florida, you only have two years from the date of injury to file your claim. If you are ready to defend your rights, contact us online or by phone to learn how we can help. We offer complimentary consultations scheduled at your convenience.