Page 37 - Commentator_Apr2018

PUNTA GORDA POLICE DEPARTMENT Interim Captain Dylan Renz, drenz@pgorda.us

Cyclists and Motorists Should Know Florida Bike Laws
Every year we see more and more residents and visitors in Punta Gorda enjoying the beautiful weather
on bicycles. The Punta Gorda Police Department is committed to making our roadways as safe as
possible for everyone. It is vitally important that both cyclists and motorists understand and follow those
laws that the State of Florida has enacted to keep our roads safe. Here are a few of the laws that
everyone using our roads needs to know.
Bicycle Regulations (see Section 316.2065, F.S.)
 A bicyclist must obey all traffic controls and signals.
 A bicyclist must use a fixed, regular seat for riding.
 No bicycle may be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is
designed or equipped.
 Parents and guardians must not knowingly allow a child or minor ward to violate any
provisions of this section.
 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.
Sidewalk Riding (see Section 316.2065, F.S.)
 When riding on sidewalks or in crosswalks, a bicyclist has the same rights and duties as a pedestrian.
 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 (see Section 316.2065, F.S.)
 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.
 Additional lighting is permitted and recommended.
Roadway Position (see Section 316.2065, F.S.)
 A bicyclist who is not traveling at the same speed of other traffic must ride in a designated bike lane or as close
as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway. A bicyclist may leave the right-most portion of the
road in the following situations: when passing another vehicle moving in the same direction; when preparing for
a left turn; when reasonably necessary to avoid any condition or potential conflict including, but not limited
to, a fixed or moving object, parked or moving vehicle, pedestrian, animal, surface hazard, or turn lane; when a
lane is too narrow for a bicycle and another vehicle to travel safely side by side.
 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.
 Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of
roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. Persons riding two abreast shall not impede traffic when
traveling at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions existing, and
shall ride within a single lane.

Left Turns (see Section 316.151 (1)(b)(c), F.S.)
 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 check the signal, then
proceed when it is green and safe to do so.
 In addition to the normal vehicle 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.
Signaling Turns (see Sub-section 316.155(2) and 316.157(2), F.S.)
 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.
 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.

Want to see how well you know bicycle safety? Take one of the Bike Safety Quizzes posted on the police department’s
Facebook page or on Twitter (@pdpgfl). There you can also find bicycle safety videos. For even more information visit
the Florida Department of Transportation’s website at www.fdot.gov. Bike and drive safe!

* References to sections noted in this article are taken directly from the Florida Department of Transportation website.

37 www.pgica.org