7.11. Bicycles

Persons riding bicycles or mopeds on a roadway have the same rights (with certain exceptions) and duties as motor vehicle drivers and may be ticketed for traffic violations. Know and obey these laws:

• Bicyclists must obey all traffic controls and signals.
• An adult bicyclist may carry a child in a backpack or sling, child seat or trailer designed to carry children.
• You may not allow a passenger to remain in a child seat or carrier when you are not in immediate control of the bicycle.
• Bicyclists and passengers under age 16 are required to wear helmets approved by ANSI, Snell or other standard helmets recognized by Florida. (Bicycle helmets are recommended for all ages)
• Every bicycle must be equipped with a brake or brakes which allow the bicyclist to stop within 25 feet when traveling from a speed of 10 miles per hour on a dry, level, clean pavement.
• A bicyclist on a sidewalk or crosswalk must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and must give an audible signal before passing.
• Keep at least one hand on the handlebars.
• On the roadway, check behind you before changing lanes.
• For use between sunset and sunrise, a bicycle 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.
• If you are not traveling at the speed of other traffic, stay on the right-most portion of the roadway except when passing, making a left turn, avoiding hazards or when a lane is too narrow for you and a car to share it safely.
• When operating a bicycle on a one-way street with two or more traffic lanes, you may ride as close to the left-hand edge of the roadway as practical.
• Do not ride two abreast when this will impede the flow of traffic.
• If you intend to make a left turn, you are entitled to full use of the lane from which the turn is made.
• In addition to the normal vehicular-style left turn, you may proceed through the right-most portion of the intersection and turn as close to the curb or edge as possible at the far side. After complying with any official traffic control device, you may proceed in the new direction of travel.
• Signal your intent to turn to other vehicle operators by pointing in the direction you are going to turn.
• Do not wear headphones or any other listening device except a hearing aid while bicycling.
• Do not ride a bicycle when under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

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