Know Florida’s Bicycle Laws Before Heading Out on a Bike Rental

If you’re a bicyclist or know someone who is, then the following information will help you understand Florida’s bicycle laws before you head out on your bike rental in Naples, FL.

Like many other U.S. states, Florida law considers bicycles to be vehicles. Therefore, bicyclists are afforded the same roadway rights and responsibilities as road vehicles. Both must remember to share the road. When motorists and bicyclists treat each other with respect and courtesy, everyone benefits.

Statistics show that nearly 75 percent of cycling deaths are due to head trauma, and thousands of head injuries could be prevented if all cyclists wore properly fitting bicycle helmets. Bike riders in Florida under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet, but that is not the case for riders 17 and older. Although adults are not required by law to wear a helmet, it is still strongly recommended that you do.

Riding while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs is against the law. Like driving under the influence, intoxication will delay your reaction time and blur your vision. Needless to say, you can be arrested for operating a bicycle while intoxicated.

Some of the other rules and regulations you need to keep in mind include:

• Bicyclists must obey all traffic related signals, including stoplights and stop signs.
• The bike operator is to keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times while in motion, but both hands are best.
• When it comes to the number of people on a single moving bicycle, that number cannot exceed the number of original seats.
• If you ride a bike on the sidewalk or in a crosswalk, you have the same rights and responsibilities as a pedestrian. However, the bicyclist must yield the right of way to pedestrians and signal audibly prior to passing on either side.
• Because it’s the law, any bikes being operated between sunset and sunrise need an attached light on the front that can be seen from 500 feet away, along with rear reflectors and a red light on the rear that can be seen from 600 feet.
• Bicyclists must ride close to the right hand side curb or road’s edge. They may leave this position only when passing, when making a left turn, if the lane gets too narrow or to avoid a hazard.
• A bicycle may use the entire vehicle lane if the 3-foot buffer does no good letting vehicles pass. But be aware of speed limits and obstructing traffic.
• Cyclists are to use traditional hand signals when turning left or right to let others on the road know where they intend to go.
• Wearing headsets, headphones or other devices that cover the ears while riding is against the law. Headsets obstruct the cyclist’s ability to hear the traffic and important audio cues from others. (Hearing aids are okay, though.)

Whether you need a bicycle rental in Naples, FL for one day or the entire week, look no further than Big Momma’s Bicycles. Contact us today for bike options and rental rates!

Categorised in: Bike Rental