Understanding Florida’s Bicycle Traffic Laws

If you’re a cyclist and regularly ride your bike on the streets, it’s important to be aware of bicycle laws in Naples, FL. Riding your bike in traffic subjects you to traffic laws that apply to vehicles, and more specifically to bicycles. Believe it or not, you can get a vehicle ticket while riding your bike! Read on to learn about the laws that pertain to you when you’re riding your bicycle.

Your bicycle counts as a vehicle

The most important thing to keep in mind with regards to bicycle laws in Naples, FL is that your bicycle counts as a vehicle if you’re riding on the road, which means you are subject to the same rules that govern the operation of all vehicles in traffic. You have the same rights as cars, and the same traffic laws apply. Cyclists have the same rights to the roadways, so you don’t have to feel bad about slowing traffic down while on your bike, but you also have to obey the traffic laws. This means you have to stop at stop signs and red lights, ride with the flow of traffic, yield right-of-way when entering a roadway, yield to pedestrians when applicable and use lights at night, among all other laws that govern vehicle use. You’ll also need to signal when you’re about to turn, so you’ll want to learn hand signals for left and right turns, among other indicators.

Lane usage for cyclists

If you’re aware of the way traffic flows, you may realize that some of what applies to most vehicles doesn’t make sense for bicycle laws in Naples, FL. For one thing, cyclists are often much slower than cars and other motorized vehicles, so you may be tempted to ride to the far right in your lane and allow cars to pass you in the lane you’re in. However, this is dangerous, as most lanes are not built wide enough for a car and a bicycle to safely operate within it together. You are allowed to take up the full lane on your bicycle, and are often encouraged to do so to make sure you are safe on the road. However, if there is a bike lane on the road you’re riding on, you should use the bike lane. If there are unsafe conditions in either lane, you can use your best judgment about what lane to be in. This is an exception to the law introduced in 2011, making it easier for cyclist to anticipate road conditions and remain safe.

If you’re looking for a bike shop in Naples, FL, Big Momma’s Bicycles offers all of the products and services you need to enjoy cycling. We are an independently owned bicycle shop and welcome cyclists of all skill levels and ages. We’re a full-service shop, offering bike sales as well as rentals and repair and tune-up services. We have experts on staff who are ready to answer any of your questions about biking or bicycle laws in Naples, FL. Come by and learn more!

Categorised in: Bicycle Laws