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Title XXIII
MOTOR VEHICLES Chapter 316
STATE UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL
316.003 Definitions.--The following words and phrases, when used in this
chapter, shall have the meanings respectively ascribed to them in this section,
except where the context otherwise requires:
(2) BICYCLE.--Every vehicle propelled solely by human power, and
every motorized
bicycle propelled by a combination of human power and an electric helper motor
capable of propelling the vehicle at a speed of not more than 20 miles per hour
on level ground upon which any person may ride, having two tandem wheels, and
including any device generally recognized as a bicycle though equipped with two
front or two rear wheels. The term does not include such a vehicle with a seat
height of no more than 25 inches from the ground when the seat is adjusted to
its highest position or a scooter or similar device. No person under the age of
16 may operate or ride upon a motorized bicycle.
Regulations for Bicyclists and
Motorists to Share the Road
With few exceptions, there is only one road and
it is up to bicyclists and motorists to treat each
other with care and respect. Strict adherence to the
law is the foundation for this respect.
Legal Status of Bicycles
In Florida the bicycle is legally defined as a
vehicle. Bicyclists have the same rights to the
roadway, and must obey the same traffic laws as the
operators of other vehicles. These laws include
stopping for stop signs and red lights, riding with
the flow of traffic, using lights at night and
yielding the right-of-way when entering a roadway.
Traffic Regulations Highlights - Bicyclists
Bicycle Regulations
(Section 316.2065, F.S.)
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Bicyclists must obey all traffic controls
and signals.
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Bicyclists must use a fixed, regular seat
for riding.
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A bicycle may not be used to carry more
persons at one time than the number for which it
is designed or equipped.
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An adult bicyclist may carry a child in a
backpack or sling, child seat or trailer
designed to carry children.
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A bicyclist may not allow a passenger to
remain in a child seat or carrier when not in
immediate control of the bicycle.
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Bicyclists and passengers under age 16 must
wear a helmet approved by ANSI, Snell, CPSC or
any other standard recognized by Florida. (Two
Florida counties opted out of this law.)
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At least one hand must be kept on the
handlebars while riding.
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Parents or guardians must not knowingly
allow a child or minor ward to violate any
provision of this section.
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Every bicycle must be equipped with a brake
or brakes which allow the rider to stop within
25 feet from a speed of 10 miles per hour on
dry, level, clean pavement.
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Sidewalk Riding
(Section 316.2065, F.S.)
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When riding on
sidewalks or in crosswalks, a bicyclist has the
same rights and duties as a pedestrian.
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A bicyclist riding on
sidewalks or in crosswalks must yield the
right-of-way to pedestrians and must give an
audible signal before passing.
Lighting
(Section 316.2065, F.S.)
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A bicycle operated between sunset and
sunrise must be equipped with a lamp on the
front exhibiting a white light visible from 500
feet to the front and both a red reflector and a
lamp on the rear exhibiting a red light visible
from 600 feet to the rear.
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Additional lighting is permitted and
recommended.
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Roadway Position
(Section 316.2065, F.S.)
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A bicyclist who is not traveling at the same
speed of other traffic must ride as close as
practicable to the right hand curb or edge of
roadway. A bicyclist may leave the right-most
portion of the road in one of the following
situations: when passing, making a left turn, to
avoid hazards, or when a lane is too narrow for
a bicycle and a car to share it safely.
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A bicyclist operating on a one-way street
with two or more traffic lanes may ride as close
to the left hand edge of the roadway as
practicable.
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Riding in single file is required except on
bike paths or parts of roadways set aside for
the exclusive use of bicycles, or when two
people riding side-by-side within one lane will
not impede traffic flow.
Left Turns
(Subsections 316.151(1)(b)(c), F.S.)
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A bicyclist intending to make a vehicle left
turn is entitled to full use of the lane from
which the turn is made. After scanning,
signaling and moving to the center of that lane,
the bicyclist must obey any applicable signs or
signals then proceed when it is safe to do so.
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In addition to the normal vehicular left
turn, a bicyclist may proceed through the
right-most portion of the intersection and turn
as close to the curb or edge as possible at the
far side. After complying with any official
traffic control device, the bicyclist may
proceed in the new direction of travel.
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Another option available to the bicyclist is
to dismount and walk through the intersection in
the crosswalk like a pedestrian.
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Signaling Turns
(Sub-sections 316.155(2) and 316.157(2), F.S.)
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A signal of intention to turn must be given
during the last 100 feet traveled by the vehicle
before turning. If a bicyclist needs both hands
for control, the signal need not be given
continuously.
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A bicyclist may signal intent to turn right
either by extending the left hand and arm upward
or by extending the right hand and arm
horizontally to the right side of the bicycle.
Freeways and
Interstates
(316.091, (2) and (4), F.S.)
Bicyclists are not allowed to ride on the
shoulder or roadway of limited access roadways
(freeways) or interstate highways.
Headsets
(Section 316.304, F.S.)
A bicyclist must not wear a headset, headphone or
any listening device other than a hearing aid while
riding. (Wearing a headset blocks out important
audio cues needed to detect the presence of other
traffic.)
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Civil Penalties
(Sub-section 316.065 and 318.18, F.S.)
Civil penalties may be issued for violations of
bicycle laws as well as for moving and non-moving
violations if applicable.
Local Ordinances
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The local governments of counties, cities,
towns and other municipalities can adopt
ordinances regulating bicycle riding. Some towns
may also have registration and licensing
ordinances. Sidewalk riding may be prohibited
entirely or only in certain areas such as
business districts. Local law enforcement
agencies can provide copies of local ordinances.
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A note about bike lanes - Bicycle lanes are
lanes on the roadway set aside for preferential
use by bicyclists. Just as with most roadway
lanes, they are almost always designed for
through bicyclists. Bicyclists who are turning
right must use the right turn lane if one is
available, and may use available left turn
lanes. At intersections with turn lanes, turning
movements should not be made from the through
bike lanes.
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And about shared use paths - Shared use
paths, sometimes called trails or bike paths,
are used by pedestrians, skaters and bicyclists.
Although bicyclists frequently use them as an
alternative to riding on the roadway, bicyclists
may still use the roadway adjacent to the path.
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There are numerous reasons a cyclist may not
wish to ride on the path. Roadways typically
have fewer stop signs. Higher speed cyclists may
wish to avoid conflicts with pedestrians,
skaters, and slower cyclists. Frequently, a
cyclist's destination may be on the side of the
roadway opposite the pathway and accessible only
from the roadway. Most proficient cyclists
prefer to ride in the same direction as traffic
on the roadway; this makes them more visible to
motorists, particularly at intersections.
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