Miami Bicycle Accident Lawyer - Traffic Law for Cyclists

What Florida traffic laws apply to cyclists (bicycle riders)?

Driving on right side of roadway is discussed in Florida Section 316.081 Florida Statutes. Upon all roadways of sufficient width, a vehicle shall be driven on the right half of the roadway. A cyclist on a roadway must ride on the side reserved for his direction of travel. Riding in the opposite direction, so as to face oncoming traffic, doubles the risk of collision with a motor vehicle and is a contributing factor in about 15 percent of bicycle-motor vehicle crashes. Motorists entering and leaving roadways at intersections and driveways do not expect traffic to approach from the wrong direction.

What are Equipment requirements and carriage of passengers in Florida?
(Section 316.2065(2), (3), (7), (8), and (14), 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.

Miami Bicycle Injury Lawyer Justin Ziegler has learned through the Florida Department of Transportation that over half of fatal bicycle crashes in Florida occur after sunset, even though most cycling is done during daylight hours. Battery-and generator-powered headlamps are available. If a cyclist uses battery-powered lamps, it may be necessary to carry spare batteries or to mount additional lamps as spares (some LED lamps last for many hours). Rear reflector and taillamp should be aimed straight back.

A bicycle rider or passenger under 16 years of age must wear a bicycle helmet that is properly fitted, fastened securely, and meets a nationally recognized standard.