We bike a lot in central Florida and not just for recreation but as a form of transportation since we find it much quicker than an auto to do many of our daily chores. Of course it’s supposedly great exercise.
We have heard many rumors about what the laws for biking are including some humorous blogs that speak of bikers being ticketed for riding on the sidewalk.
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.
If you are riding on the road seems like the State wants you as close to the edge as you can get if there is no bike lane:
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 (see Bike Lane Law Explained) 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, making a left turn, to avoid road hazards, or when a lane is too narrow for a bicycle and a car to share safely. (see Roadway Position Explained)
Riding close to the edge may be the law but most bikers find the edge is also the sink that collects all the bike tire destroying items possible on the road since most roads are tapered for drainage. Bike lanes are a bit better although many of our worst accidents have happened in bike lanes since some auto drivers sadly discount that they exist
If biking was rewarded more by the society, there would be more bikers and sadly more bike accidents which would eventually lead to safer biking since law enforcement would be forced to spend more time on enforcing bike laws from the delinquent auto side
Conservastore feels a bicycle should be a means of transportation, not just recreation, for every American and that bikers should be rewarded with sales and income tax reductions for using the socially positive means of transportation which is biking–visit us here for more
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