Bicycle Safety

[RiderOnTheStorm]

On at least three occasions I have witnessed a line of bicyclists ride through a roundabout whereby the riders at the end of the line enter the roundabout in front of cars already in the roundabout, forcing these cars (including my own on one occasion) to come to a complete stop until the last of the bicyclists exit the roundabout. Can anyone, hopefully including a few bicyclists, clarify the right of way responsibilities here?
Thank you.

[Davonu]

Regardless of vehicle type, the vehicle entering the roundabout must yield to vehicles already in either lane of the roundabout.

[npwalters]

There seems to be a belief by bike riders, riding in packs, that if one bicycle enters a roundabout or starts through a 4 way stop that every bike in that pack enjoys the same right of way. I don't know that this is true.

I had to stop at a 4 way (in the intersection) to allow the 30th or perhaps 40th bicycle ride through.

BTW, I also ride bikes but not with a group.

[coralway]

Every man, and woman, for themselves. That’s the real life policy

[ThirdOfFive]

On at least three occasions I have witnessed a line of bicyclists ride through a roundabout whereby the riders at the end of the line enter the roundabout in front of cars already in the roundabout, forcing these cars (including my own on one occasion) to come to a complete stop until the last of the bicyclists exit the roundabout. Can anyone, hopefully including a few bicyclists, clarify the right of way responsibilities here?
Thank you.
I've seen the same thing.

Individually bicyclists might be pretty nice people, but once that pack mentality takes over.... :)

[VApeople]

There seems to be a belief by bike riders, riding in packs, that if one bicycle enters a roundabout or starts through a 4 way stop that every bike in that pack enjoys the same right of way. I don't know that this is true.

I had to stop at a 4 way (in the intersection) to allow the 30th or perhaps 40th bicycle ride through.


Yeah, the same thing happened to me. I just stopped and let them go through.

As I leave Osceola Hills, I have to cross a MMP that has a STOP sign on it. Often there is a golf cart or bike on the MMP and I never stop to let them get by. I just keep looking forward and proceed at a speed of 5 mph or less.

[Marathon Man]

I support riding (I don't ride myself), however, this is a problem. Forcing a car to stop in a roundabout is not a good thing,

[brianherlihy]

the bike pople are the worst i dont stop and i just drive right past stop sines

[MrFlorida]

I've seen them do this at stop signs also.

[RiderOnTheStorm]

Regardless of vehicle type, the vehicle entering the roundabout must yield to vehicles already in either lane of the roundabout.

Thought so. Thanks.

[Two Bills]

Was there not some law/directive hatched some time back about bicycles in a peleton can follow through if clear for first cyclist?
I seem to remember a post about it.

[JerryP]

Was there not some law/directive hatched some time back about bicycles in a peleton can follow through if clear for first cyclist?
I seem to remember a post about it.

Yes

b) When stopping at a stop sign, persons riding bicycles in groups, after coming to a full stop and obeying all traffic laws, may proceed through the stop sign in a group of 10 or fewer at a time. Motor vehicle operators must allow one such group to travel through the intersection before moving forward.

[kitnhead]

Question, is there a reason some cyclists don’t use the multi mobile paths? The street really doesn’t seem designed for the bikes.

[Davonu]

Question, is there a reason some cyclists don’t use the multi mobile paths? The street really doesn’t seem designed for the bikes.
As an avid MM path bike rider, I couldn’t agree more. :)

On the streets, I’m at the mercy of fast moving automobiles. On a path, I am much more in control of my own safety.

[mickey100]

Yes

b) When stopping at a stop sign, persons riding bicycles in groups, after coming to a full stop and obeying all traffic laws, may proceed through the stop sign in a group of 10 or fewer at a time. Motor vehicle operators must allow one such group to travel through the intersection before moving forward.

Thank you.

[Maybelle]

Yes

b) When stopping at a stop sign, persons riding bicycles in groups, after coming to a full stop and obeying all traffic laws, may proceed through the stop sign in a group of 10 or fewer at a time. Motor vehicle operators must allow one such group to travel through the intersection before moving forward.
What are you quoting?

[Worldseries27]

what are you quoting?
what legalease matters when a human body lays broken?

[Happydaz]

What are you quoting?

New Florida law.

[HJBeck]

On at least three occasions I have witnessed a line of bicyclists ride through a roundabout whereby the riders at the end of the line enter the roundabout in front of cars already in the roundabout, forcing these cars (including my own on one occasion) to come to a complete stop until the last of the bicyclists exit the roundabout. Can anyone, hopefully including a few bicyclists, clarify the right of way responsibilities here?
Thank you.

They are supposed to obey the same rules as vehicular traffic, thus they are in violation. Needless to say, I'd hate to be the one to hit one. Dan N.. Will make sure they end up owning your home.

[jljl62040]

Question, is there a reason some cyclists don’t use the multi mobile paths? The street really doesn’t seem designed for the bikes.

The street is faster to use for a bicycle and in many ways safer. Several cyclists riding together on an MMP could cause a blockage for the carts.

[JGibson]

Yes

b) When stopping at a stop sign, persons riding bicycles in groups, after coming to a full stop and obeying all traffic laws, may proceed through the stop sign in a group of 10 or fewer at a time. Motor vehicle operators must allow one such group to travel through the intersection before moving forward.

It doesn't really specify if all 10 bicycles have to stop or just the first bicycle. It also says 10 or fewer so what's the law if it's a group over 10?

[photo1902]

It doesn't really specify if all 10 bicycles have to stop or just the first bicycle. It also says 10 or fewer so what's the law if it's a group over 10?

Seems pretty clear to me. And if the group is more than 10, the 11th rider must stop.

(b) When stopping at a stop sign, persons riding bicycles in groups, after coming to a full stop and obeying all traffic laws, may proceed through the stop sign in a group of 10 or fewer at a time. Motor vehicle operators must allow one such group to travel through the intersection before moving forward.

[Windguy]

It doesn't really specify if all 10 bicycles have to stop or just the first bicycle. It also says 10 or fewer so what's the law if it's a group over 10?
All must stop and then they can proceed in groups of 10. The law says 10 max. The bike club limits groups to 10 and then they form multiple groups if more want to go on a ride. A club rule requires a gap between groups that is large enough to allow cars to get in between. Sometimes groups get too close together, but they are not supposed to.

[sowilts]

All must be considered one vehicle on the road. It doesn’t seem to matter since a single, or group of ten riders will lose out to even the smallest car or cart for that matter. If one is clipped in you will lose even if a small cat darts in front and blocks you front tyre. I ride and do not challenge anything that will run my day; or life. Rules are made for those that are aware of them. Expect the worst when you have little protection.

[Laker]

Last week a group of cyclists going through the parking lot in front of Barnes and Noble knocked a woman down, breaking her arm. But at least they stopped, for what that’s worth.

[Two Bills]

It doesn't really specify if all 10 bicycles have to stop or just the first bicycle. It also says 10 or fewer so what's the law if it's a group over 10?

If only the first one stops, and the 9 remaining do not, it's going to get messy!

[Rainger99]

What are you quoting?

Florida statute 316.2065 Bicycle regulations.

Statutes & Constitution
:View Statutes
:

Online Sunshine (http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.2065.html)

[airstreamingypsy]

Fact is, if you hit and kill a bicyclist your life will go to poopoo and stay that way for a long time. No matter who is wrong, you don't want to hit someone if you can avoid it.

[Bandb875]

Perhaps bicycle groups should be limited to 10 riders.

[Chamo]

Tour le France 🇫🇷
Can’t stand them

[brianherlihy]

y do i have to stop and thay dont

[Happydaz]

Tour le France 🇫🇷
Can’t stand them

Nothing new in over 120 years. Around 1896 there was a bicycle craze all over the world. People were buying new bikes and women found new freedom in being able to ride all over the countryside. But guess what, a number of groups got very angry at the bicyclists. Hat makers were angry because riders only wore small caps and stopped buying hats. Carriage drivers were angry that people were bicycling instead of riding in their carriages. Farmers were angry that they were on the roads scaring their livestock and horses. Some people threw things at the bicyclists as they went by! But guess what, 120 plus years later people are still bicycling and it is getting even more popular. People should try to adjust to this trend. It is here to stay. (I know this is a hard thing for elderly Villagers to do, but it might help their mental health if they weren’t always driving around angry and absolutely sure in all their beliefs and prejudices.) What happened to the “Woodstock Generation?” Peace.

[nn0wheremann]

There seems to be a belief by bike riders, riding in packs, that if one bicycle enters a roundabout or starts through a 4 way stop that every bike in that pack enjoys the same right of way. I don't know that this is true.

I had to stop at a 4 way (in the intersection) to allow the 30th or perhaps 40th bicycle ride through.

BTW, I also ride bikes but not with a group.
I think it is generally just a matter of courtesy to let a group stay together. On the other hand, the riders, bicyclists or motorcyclists, should not ride more than six or eight in a stick, again as a matter of courtesy.

[Regorp]

On at least three occasions I have witnessed a line of bicyclists ride through a roundabout whereby the riders at the end of the line enter the roundabout in front of cars already in the roundabout, forcing these cars (including my own on one occasion) to come to a complete stop until the last of the bicyclists exit the roundabout. Can anyone, hopefully including a few bicyclists, clarify the right of way responsibilities here?
Thank you.
It seems awful dangerous for a bicycle to be in a roundabout let alone a pack of them. Should be auto's only. And at the DeLuna gate they do a turn around to go back, holding up traffic for five minutes. Ride on your designated paths, please.

[Rainger99]

Do bikers follow this?

6)(a) Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway or in a bicycle lane may not ride more than two abreast except on a bicycle path. Persons riding two abreast may not impede traffic when traveling at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing and must ride within a single lane. Where bicycle lanes exist, persons riding bicycles may ride two abreast if both are able to remain within the bicycle lane. If the bicycle lane is too narrow to allow two persons riding bicycles to ride two abreast, the persons must ride single-file and within the bicycle lane. On roads that contain a substandard-width lane as defined in subparagraph (5)(a)3., persons riding bicycles may temporarily ride two abreast only to avoid hazards in the roadway or to overtake another person riding a bicycle.

[toeser]

On at least three occasions I have witnessed a line of bicyclists ride through a roundabout whereby the riders at the end of the line enter the roundabout in front of cars already in the roundabout, forcing these cars (including my own on one occasion) to come to a complete stop until the last of the bicyclists exit the roundabout. Can anyone, hopefully including a few bicyclists, clarify the right of way responsibilities here?
Thank you.

I believe Florida law allows 10 bicycles at a time right of way. Unfortunately, some of the bike clubs in The Villages give the rest of us bikers a bad name. I would not dream riding through a round-about with my bike. I don't feel safe in my car.

[Bill14564]

Do bikers follow this?

6)(a) Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway or in a bicycle lane may not ride more than two abreast except on a bicycle path. ...

I don't recall ever seeing bicyclists riding more than two abreast.

Be careful scouring the statutes for potential "gotchas." There are plenty of statutes that apply to car drivers too and compliance with those laws is nothing to brag about.

[Tyson]

Im so sick of these guys blowing through a yield sign just to keep up. Be warned, not stopping again. Its your responsibility to yield to oncoming traffic. Yield or your goofy shorts are gonna turn brown.

[srswans]

On at least three occasions I have witnessed a line of bicyclists ride through a roundabout whereby the riders at the end of the line enter the roundabout in front of cars already in the roundabout, forcing these cars (including my own on one occasion) to come to a complete stop until the last of the bicyclists exit the roundabout. Can anyone, hopefully including a few bicyclists, clarify the right of way responsibilities here?
Thank you.

I cycle but not in a group.

I believe group riding is done for safety and practicality. Imagine the opposite - 10 bicycles interleaved with 10 cars in a roundabout - dangerous and chaotic.

Group riding is also practical. Again, imagine if 10 cyclists yielded and entered the roundabout one at a time - the drivers behind them would be furious at the delay.

A group of 10, single-file cyclists in a roundabout is no worse than a semi or large truck/trailer combo.

Yield at the entrance to the roundabout and let the group pass.

FL supports group riding up to 10 cyclists - see other replies here for details.

[srswans]

There seems to be a belief by bike riders, riding in packs, that if one bicycle enters a roundabout or starts through a 4 way stop that every bike in that pack enjoys the same right of way. I don't know that this is true.

I had to stop at a 4 way (in the intersection) to allow the 30th or perhaps 40th bicycle ride through.

BTW, I also ride bikes but not with a group.

See other replies for details.

[srswans]

Question, is there a reason some cyclists don’t use the multi mobile paths? The street really doesn’t seem designed for the bikes.

When I ride in the street, motorists get mad at me for being too slow.

When I ride on the MMP, golf cart drivers get mad at me for being in the way.

When I ride on pathways, pedestrians get mad at me for ringing my bell, announcing “on your left” and also tell me to slow down.

Can’t win.

[fdpaq0580]

When I ride in the street, motorists get mad at me for being too slow.

When I ride on the MMP, golf cart drivers get mad at me for being in the way.

When I ride on pathways, pedestrians get mad at me for ringing my bell, announcing “on your left” and also tell me to slow down.

Can’t win.

You have my deepest sympathy. Life can really be a birch sometimes.

[Davonu]

…When I ride on the MMP, golf cart drivers get mad at me for being in the way...
On a MMP, you can avoid being “in the way” with just a few simple courtesies, especially if you ride a hybrid bike that is perfectly safe pulling off into the grass.

[pmckee]

What are you quoting?

I would like to know who or what you are quoting as well. Thanks

[Gpsma]

Solution to this….marbles oitthe passenger door.

[JerryP]

What are you quoting?

Sorry I should have included in Post #12

Florida statute. Chapter 316 section 6 (b)

Statutes & Constitution
:View Statutes
:

Online Sunshine (http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0300-0399/0316/Sections/0316.2065.html)

[srswans]

On a MMP, you can avoid being “in the way” with just a few simple courtesies, especially if you ride a hybrid bike that is perfectly safe pulling off into the grass.

Yeah, I see your point but golf cart tires are designed for grass, more so than road bikes, so the drivers should do pass in the grass thing.

Besides, there is no priority system on the MMP so, as a solo rider, I feel no obligation to pull-off for a cart.

I have left the MMP for the street before to get away from aggressive cart drivers.

[rustyp]

Yes

b) When stopping at a stop sign, persons riding bicycles in groups, after coming to a full stop and obeying all traffic laws, may proceed through the stop sign in a group of 10 or fewer at a time. Motor vehicle operators must allow one such group to travel through the intersection before moving forward.

The statute clearly states "stop" sign. Roundabouts have "yield" signs.

Second if a cyclist is on a secondary road with a stop sign and crossing a primary road without a stop sign do you believe the primary traffic is to stop for a line of ten ? Without the obvious that we all have a responsibility to avoid an accident at all cost. In essence that is what you are asking the traffic in the roundabout (the primary road) when ganging ten through a yield sign.

[edtherock]

As a life long cyclist. (15,000 miles per year) ...... cyclists should follow all the same laws as a car when riding on a road. That should be the mentality of any bicycle rider. If a cyclists is hit by a car, you know who is going to win that game physically, so a cyclist certainly does not want to get hit. (I actually ride on an app called Zwift inside the house on a smart trainer now 90% of the time) because I am quite afraid of the cars around here and the peoples decision making at older ages... When driving in my car, I see people making very wrong decisions in their cars all the time. Cars vs cars.. So imagine Cars vs cyclists... Two weeks ago a person was driving on the WRONG side of Parr drive by the new Sprouts coming straight at me right at Buena Vista!!!... WRONG side of the ROAD!! Imagine that.. Head on car collision-- almost!!... so lets go back to cyclists.. We are human and we all will make mistakes. Maybe it is time instead of trying to get to the letter of law, that we all take a deep breath... Try to be nice to each other.. Have some compassion for each other.. The people riding bikes are trying to enjoy the great outdoors and I suspect most of us here are trying to do, walking, golf cart riding, running etc..... Is an extra 15 second delay really going to hurt somebody either way? If it is, I suggest you are living in the wrong place! Be considerate to cyclists, to cars, to golf carts and try to enjoy life... Nobody is going to win this game of car vs cyclists!! One last thing: almost every one of us dedicated cyclists, have cameras on the front and back of our bikes recording what happens.. So if an accident does happen, there will be live video.. consider that.. Right or wrong thats what the world has come to. I can tell you from real world life, I have 4 friends that have been hit by cars, and in every case, it was the cars fault- clearly... Not to say Cyclists dont cause issues, because we also get impatient...... But we all get impatient in our cars too... As I said nobody is going to win this game.. Lets try to be considerate to all! Enjoy life.. Dont stress!!!

[mickey100]

As a life long cyclist. (15,000 miles per year) ...... cyclists should follow all the same laws as a car when riding on a road. That should be the mentality of any bicycle rider. If a cyclists is hit by a car, you know who is going to win that game physically, so a cyclist certainly does not want to get hit. (I actually ride on an app called Zwift inside the house on a smart trainer now 90% of the time) because I am quite afraid of the cars around here and the peoples decision making at older ages... When driving in my car, I see people making very wrong decisions in their cars all the time. Cars vs cars.. So imagine Cars vs cyclists... Two weeks ago a person was driving on the WRONG side of Parr drive by the new Sprouts coming straight at me right at Buena Vista!!!... WRONG side of the ROAD!! Imagine that.. Head on car collision-- almost!!... so lets go back to cyclists.. We are human and we all will make mistakes. Maybe it is time instead of trying to get to the letter of law, that we all take a deep breath... Try to be nice to each other.. Have some compassion for each other.. The people riding bikes are trying to enjoy the great outdoors and I suspect most of us here are trying to do, walking, golf cart riding, running etc..... Is an extra 15 second delay really going to hurt somebody either way? If it is, I suggest you are living in the wrong place! Be considerate to cyclists, to cars, to golf carts and try to enjoy life... Nobody is going to win this game of car vs cyclists!! One last thing: almost every one of us dedicated cyclists, have cameras on the front and back of our bikes recording what happens.. So if an accident does happen, there will be live video.. consider that.. Right or wrong thats what the world has come to. I can tell you from real world life, I have 4 friends that have been hit by cars, and in every case, it was the cars fault- clearly... Not to say Cyclists dont cause issues, because we also get impatient...... But we all get impatient in our cars too... As I said nobody is going to win this game.. Lets try to be considerate to all! Enjoy life.. Dont stress!!!

:bigbow: I agree, especially about people making poor decisions. We had a neighbor who had eye surgery and was told not to drive for a week - he couldn't see out of one eye, of course he drives and ignores the doctor's advice. My car was hit by a golf cart driver who had lost his driver's license due to poor vision, but still drove a golf cart, and he totally couldn't see my car due to his faulty vision. I see these golf carts racing around at 25 mph, and walkers and cyclists have to scramble to get out of the way.

[VApeople]

I see these golf carts racing around at 25 mph, and walkers and cyclists have to scramble to get out of the way.

Yeah, I believe you!

That is why smart people like us only take walks and bike rides where golf carts are forbidden.

[photo1902]

"racing around at 25 mph". Now that's an oxymoron if I've ever heard one.

[fdpaq0580]

"racing around at 25 mph". Now that's an oxymoron if I've ever heard one.

Makes perfect sense to me after witnessing what appeared to be a race or chase or rally through the parking lot at SeaBreeze a while back. Six or seven (possibly more) zigging and zagging through the lot, cutting in front and behind cars and carts trying to park or leave. God only knows the reason for the potentially deadly insanity that seemed to infect that group, but I'm guessing drugs, alcohol or both were involved.