The weather has finally broken, it’s time to go out and enjoy a great bike ride! Everyone should enjoy bike rides so the Marco Island Police Department would like to educate bicyclists on some of the Florida Laws pertaining to bicycles, so everyone can enjoy a safe ride.
Florida helmet law
Safety is the key when riding and there are laws to protect bicycle riders. First, every bicyclist should understand the Florida Helmet Law (F.S. 316.2065 (3) [d]).
Head injury is the leading cause of death and permanent disability in bicycle crashes. Children between the ages of 5 and 14 account for nearly 50 percent of all bicycle related injuries and 21 percent of bicycle related deaths.
A bicycle rider or passenger under 16 years of age must wear a bicycle helmet that is properly fitted, fastened securely, and meets a nationally recognized standard. Parents please be responsible and make sure before children leave check their helmets!
Shared use paths/bike paths
With the increase of vehicles on the road this time of year it is even more important to know the laws regarding a person propelling a bicycle on a sidewalk and shared pathways.
The bicyclist shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing such pedestrian (F.S. 316.2065 [11]). Even if the bike rider is on the roadway or on the sidewalk the laws apply. Remember wearing headsets, headset phone or listening devises is against the law while operating a bicycle (F.S. 316.2065 [3] [a], 316.304) for your safety.
Riding on the roadway
Riders traveling on the road should understand that they are considered a vehicle in the State of Florida. That means the traffic rules common to all drivers must be followed. Riders in the roadway must obey all traffic signs, ride on the right side of the roadway, and signal a turn or stop.
Required lighting for riding in the dark
Planning a bike ride in the early morning or later in the evening requires illumination of the bike for safety. The law (F.S. 316.2065 [8]) states a bicycle operated between sunset and sunrise 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.
The Marco Island Police Department officers encourages the community to get out and enjoy a bike ride but do it safely it will save lives!
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Comments » 2
ksteinhoff writes:
Jennifer,
You raise valid points. I wish, however, you would have also pointed out that to drivers that bikes, as vehicles, have a right to be on the road with motorized vehicles and that they have the right to take the lane if the road is too narrow to be passed safely without crossing the centerline.
Many drivers don't know about the new Florida statute setting a three-foot minimum distance when passing cyclists. Or, if they know about it, they need to have their yardsticks recalibrated.
I wish more emphasis was placed on bike safety and accident prevention than helmet wearing because that magic foam hat is just like a parachute: you only need it when something else has gone tragically wrong. Having said that, though, here is the reason I never ride without one:
http://www.palmbeachbiketours.com/200...
Not having one on was a life-altering experience for my riding partner.
rideon writes:
Thanks for the reminders! I would like to encourage motorists to LOOK both ways for cyclists and pedestrians when you are about to make a turn. Please - give us a little space on the roadways, too. Often the road is the safest, and sometimes the only place to ride.
There are many benefits to having more bikes and more cyclists: cleaner air, healthier people, fewer parking hassles for those who choose to drive, and more "eyes" on the streets creating a safer community for all. Let's all work to keep it safe for everyone!
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