Bicycle Accidents

1. The specific bicycle codes are geared toward bicycle safety, which is paramount to preventing <a onClick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" href=http://www.ellisandged.com/practiceareas_personalInjury_bicycle.php>bicycle accidents</a>.   An experienced <a onClick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" href=http://www.ellisandged.com/firmprofile.php>Florida bicycle accident</a> attorney can help you if you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence.

When you ride your bicycle in traffic, it can be rather uncomfortable, especially when the motorists traveling with you do not give you enough room.  As a vehicle, you have as much right to the roadway as any other vehicle.  Some of the most deadly bicycle accidents involve a motor vehicle that is traveling in the same direction, overtaking the bicycle unsafely.  Since you have a right to the road, it is important to know when it is ok to take the driving lane.

Florida Bike Laws

According to Florida law, bicyclists must move as far to the right side of the lane as safely possible.  The rider of the bike is the one who can adequately make this judgment call, not the motor vehicles that might feel inconvenienced in some way.  The law says that a vehicle must stay in the right lane if traveling under the posted speed limit.  Since you are riding a designated vehicle, you actually have a right to the entire lane as long as you are not impeding traffic.  Since vehicles are allowed to pass slower vehicles that are not traveling the posted speed limit by moving to the left, riding in the lane does not impede their opportunity to pass you.

Some argue that if you stick close to the right side of the road when the way is too narrow for sharing the lane with a motor vehicle, than you should move left, into the lane to claim it for yourself.  This will give overtaking motorists pause when assessing if there is enough room.  Since you are most at risk if your judgment of whether the road is too narrow to share, then you should be the one to decide to take the lane, not the overtaking motorist.  Riding too far to the right on a narrow road might give the driver the impression that it is safe to pass without changing lanes, causing a bicycle accident.

Law enforcement officials usually have to make a judgment call if they feel you are impeding traffic.  Unfortunately, you might be pulled over based on the police officer's estimation of whether the road is too narrow for sharing, not on your estimation.  The law does not state clearly what is meant by blocking traffic; a police officer might pull you over and give you a ticket for no reason.  It is a good idea to print off a copy of the laws pertaining to vehicles and bicycles in particular and keep them on your bike so you can explain to the officer that you know what you are doing.  Of course, you'll want to proceed in a non-confrontational manner just in case.

Many people believe that bicyclists should be relegated to the shoulder of the road, but according to the state law, that part of the roadway is closed to vehicle traffic.  Since bicycles are considered vehicles, it is actually unlawful to be riding on the shoulder.  Many new roads now include a four-foot bike lane with adequate space for sharing the lane with other vehicle traffic.