In Florida, the bicycle (E-Bike) is defined as a vehicle and the bicyclist is a driver. Bicyclists have the same rights to the roadways, and must obey the same traffic laws as the drivers of other vehicles. These laws include stopping for stop signs and red lights, riding with the flow of traffic, using lights at night, yielding the right-of-way when entering a roadway and yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks. There is only one road and it is up to bicyclists and motorists to treat each other with care and respect.
Facts About Bicycle Safety: 1,105 bicyclists were killed in traffic crashes in 2022. As you might expect, when a crash occurs between a vehicle and a bike, it’s the bicyclist who is most likely to be injured. A large percentage of crashes can be avoided if motorists and bicyclists follow the rules of the road and watch out for each other.
Bicycle Safety Tips:
• Ride a bike that fits you—if it’s too big, it’s harder to control the bike.
• Wear a helmet.
• Wear bright clothing – especially early in the morning and in the evening.
• Stay alert.
• Put away electronic devices.
• Ride with both hands on the handlebars, unless signaling a turn.
• Pay attention to lane markers.
• Don’t ride between vehicles.
• Cross at intersections.
• Slow and look for traffic (left-right-left and behind) when crossing a street from a sidewalk; be prepared to stop and follow the pedestrian signals.
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing.
• Look for cars backing out of driveways or turning.
• You have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers.
• Obey street signs, signals, and road markings, just like a car.
• Assume the other person doesn’t see you; look ahead for hazards or situations to avoid that may cause you to fall, like toys, pebbles, potholes, grates, or train tracks.
• Ride in a bicycle lane if present, traveling in the same direction as traffic. If a bicycle lane is not present, ride as close to the right side of the road as possible.
• Use a white light on the front and a red reflector or red light on the back of your bike at night.
• 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. Pass pedestrians with care by first announcing “on your left” or “passing on your left” or use a bell.
• Carry all items in a backpack or strapped to the back of the bike.
• Tuck and tie your shoe laces and pant legs so they don’t get caught in your bike chain.
