Bicycle Laws in Florida

Florida reported 9,272 bicycle crashes in 2024, including 190 deaths and 8,781 injuries. Bicycle accidents increased from 2023 to 2024, although fatalities decreased from 234 to 190.

Bicyclists are considered vulnerable road users under Florida law. A vulnerable road user (VRU) is more likely to be injured in a crash with a motor vehicle because they are not protected by an outside shield.

In other words, bicyclists have a greater risk of severe injuries because they are not surrounded by a vehicle frame. They also do not benefit from safety devices, including airbags and seat belts.

Florida bicycle laws help protect bicyclists by reducing the risk of bicycle accidents. Cyclists and motorists should understand and follow bicycle laws to help keep everyone on Florida roads safe.

Important Bicycle Laws for Cyclists in Florida

Bicycles are treated as vehicles. Therefore, riders must abide by the same traffic laws as motorists unless a specific statute modifies a traffic law for bicycles. Rules and laws for bicyclists include, but are not limited to:

• A bicycle may only carry the number of people it is designed to carry.
• A rider must obey all traffic signals and controls.
• Minors under the age of 16 years must use a helmet when riding.
• If a town allows bicycles on sidewalks, riders must yield the right of way to pedestrians.
• Bicyclists are subject to the same state DUI laws as motorists.
• A cyclist must ride as close to the right as possible when sharing the road with motor vehicles.
• Riders must not ride more than two side-by-side unless they are riding on a roadway reserved for bicycles.
• On one-way roads with multiple lanes, a cyclist can ride close to the left-hand side of the roadways as practical.

The above list is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of bicycle laws. Bicyclists have a duty to know and understand the law before riding a bicycle. If they cause an accident, a bicyclist could be financially responsible for damages in the same way as an at-fault motorist.

Important Bicycle Laws for Motorists in Florida

Motorists must also follow specific laws and rules when sharing the road with bicycles. Examples of bicycle laws for motorists include, but are not limited to:

• A motorist must give at least three three-foot passing distance when overtaking a bicyclist on the road.
• Drivers must avoid using high-beam headlights when approaching a cyclist.
• Before opening car doors, drivers and passengers should check to ensure a cyclist is not approaching from behind (i.e., dooring accidents).
• Drivers must yield the right of way to cyclists in the bicycle lane when turning.

A driver who fails to use reasonable care and follow the law could be liable for damages if they cause a bicycle accident. Because bicyclists have a high risk of sustaining catastrophic injuries in a crash with a motor vehicle, bicycle accident claims may result in lawsuits against the at-fault driver.

Important Bicycle Safety Rules for Cyclists in Florida

In addition to traffic laws, Florida enacted several safety regulations for cyclists to ensure they maintain their bicycles in safe working conditions. The safety regulations also help reduce the risk of crashes.

Examples of Florida bicycle safety regulations include:

• Cyclists must always keep at least one hand on the handlebars.
• When riding at night, a bicycle must have a white front headlight that is visible from at least 500 feet.
• Bicycles must have a rear red light or reflector when riding at night.
• Riders are prohibited from wearing earplugs or headphones while riding unless they use an earbud in one ear only or they are using a hearing aid device.
• Bicycles must have working brakes that allow the rider to stop within 25 feet when traveling ten miles per hour.

It is recommended that bicyclists wear reflective, bright clothing to increase visibility to motorists. Even though the law only requires riders under 16 years of age to wear helmets, it is strongly recommended that all cyclists wear a bicycle helmet when riding.

What Should I Do After a Florida Bicycle Accident?

Call 911 to report the bicycle accident and request medical and police assistance. If possible, taking photographs and making a video of the accident scene preserve evidence. However, many riders sustain injuries, preventing them from taking this step.

Do not admit fault for the bicycle accident. Instead, give the facts to the police officer without making assumptions about fault. Seek immediate medical treatment for injuries. Delays in medical care could jeopardize your recovery and make it more difficult to receive a fair settlement for a bicycle accident claim.

It is wise to seek legal advice from an experienced bicycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. A personal injury attorney helps you protect your right to fair compensation after a bicycle accident.