For those of us who ride bikes often and may have had a close call with an auto while riding, here’s a reminder of what some of the selected laws for biking in our state of Florida.
The following from the Florida Bicycle Association
-At least one hand must be kept on the handlebars while riding.
-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.
-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.
-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 the roadway. A bicyclist may leave the right-most portion of the road in the following situations: when passing, making a left turn, to avoid road hazards, or when a lane is too narrow for a bicycle and a car to share safely.
-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.
Of course it is important for auto drivers to know the laws as well since many view bikers as time-wasting pests but the bikers DO have rights that need to be respected if the biker is following the law.
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