South Florida Injury Lawyer Blog

Bicycling.com recently announced its top 50 cities for cycling, and two Florida cities made the list.

Our Boca Raton bike accident lawyers know that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported more than 100 fatal bike crashes in 2009. We know that bike fatalities are down 12 percent from 2008, but more needs to be done to protect cyclists from tragic Fort Lauderdale bicycle accidents.

Gainesville was ranked 16th and Miami came in 44th among cities with smart, savvy bike stores and a diverse bike culture. Ranking criteria included municipal bike racks, segregated bike lanes and bike boulevards.

The bicycle is legally defined as a vehicle in Florida. Riders have the same rights and must obey the same traffic laws as motorists. Riders have to stop for stop signs and red lights, yield the right-of-way when entering a road, ride with the flow of traffic and use lights at night.

Below is a summary of traffic laws pertaining to bicycles:

Bicycle Regulations
-Riders must obey all traffic controls and signals.

-Riders must use a fixed, regular seat for riding.

-No bicycle can be used to carry a passenger.

-One hand must be on the handlebars at all times.

-Parents and guardians should make sure children obey bicycle laws.

-All bicycles must be equipped with properly working brakes. If traveling at 10 miles per hour, the bike must stop within 25 feet.

Sidewalk Riding
-Riders have the same duties and rights as a pedestrian when riding in crosswalks or on sidewalks.

-When riders are in crosswalks or on sidewalks, they must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians. An audible signal must be sounded prior to passing.

Lighting
-At a minimum, a bicycle needs to have a white front light visible from 500 feet and a light and red reflector on the back visible from 600 feet.

-Additional lighting is recommended.

Signaling Turns
-A rider must signal a turn at least 100 feet before turning.

-A right turn hand signal can be either extending the right hand and arm horizontally to the right side of the bike or extending the left hand and arm upward.

Headsets
-A rider cannot wear headphones, a headset or any other listening device (hearing aides are permitted).

Here are some safety tips to avoid a deadly crash:

-Obey all state and local traffic laws.

-Ride with the normal flow of traffic.

-Recognize and understand common bicycle crash situations. Review colorful diagrams at Florida Bicycle Association on how these accidents happen and what to do to prevent them.

-Even if it is not the law, wear a properly fitted helmet.

-Wear bright clothing or reflective material.

-Be aware of your surroundings at all times.

-Keep your bike in good working order. Check of your brakes, tires, lights, seat and handlebars before heading out.

-Know your hand signals. Motorists need to know what you are planning to do. Signal at least 100 feet before you turn.