Bicycle Safety
Rules of the Road and Safety Tips
Rules of the Road:
Persons riding bicycles or mopeds on the roadway have the same rights and duties as drivers of motor vehicles. Bicycle riders can receive citations for traffic violations. You should familiarize yourself with these rules as they are traffic laws in the State of Florida.
A bicycle rider can be charged criminally and/or fined as a driver of a motor vehicle if a traffic violation has occurred in the presence of a law enforcement officer.
Bicycle riders 14 years of age and under can be assessed a $15.00 fine. Bicycle riders over 14 years of age can be assessed a fine of $83.00 for a moving infraction and/or $49.00 for a non-moving infraction, and can be assessed points on their driver's license. Bicycle riders can be charged criminally for criminal traffic infractions.
Safety Tips:
- Always wear a bicycle helmet.
- If you must ride at night or in low light, always use both a front and rear light and reflector.
- Always wear bright clothing, such as yellow or fluorescent colors (days) and retro-reflective materials (nights).
- Keep your brakes in good working order. Be able to stop in 15 feet at 10 mph.
- Carry parcels in a backpack, bike rack, basket, or trailer.
- Obey all traffic laws, signs, and signals.
- Walk your bike to the street before mounting it.
- Look left-right-left for a safe gap in traffic when entering the road or crossing an intersection.
- At an intersection or driveway, avoid being alongside a vehicle which could suddenly turn right or left into your path.
- When riding on a sidewalk or bike path, watch for cars entering/exiting driveways, and always yield the right of way to pedestrians.
- Give an audible signal when passing a pedestrian, and avoid riding on a sidewalk in a commercial area.
- Ride on the right side of the road with traffic.
- Normally ride single file, never more than 2 side by side (do not impede traffic when riding side by side).
- Check behind you before changing lanes (mirrors make it easier, but look back as well).
- Be aware of pedestrians and other vehicles; learn to anticipate thier actions.
- Signal your moves to other vehicle operators by pointing in the direction you are going to turn.
- Be aware of potential hazards like road litter, potholes, gravel, storm grates, and opening car doors.
- Do not wear headphones while riding a bicycle.
- When transporting a child (up to 40 pounds or 4 years old) use an approved carrier and helmets.
- It is unlawful to ride a bicycle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Keep your bicycle locked when not in use.
Remember to where a helmet and Happy Biking!
Bike Registration:
Kids can come by the police station and get their bikes registered. Bike registration is simple. All we do is get the registration number off the bike. This way, if your bike is stolen we will have information about your bike so we can identify it.
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