Share the Road
 

Info for Motorists | Florida Bicycle Association

Sure wish all would comply.I only ride late at night or well before traffic hits the roads in the morning. Sad to think that riding in the dark is the only time I feel safe!!!

The only problem I have with bicyclers is when a large group of them blows right through stop signs. Yes, they may slow down BUT the sign says STOP.

Yes, i realize that it is extra trouble to come to a full stop and unhook feet from pedals BUT they ride on the public roads - follow the same laws as cars. :thumbup:

I share the road but would also like it if bike riders obeyed all traffic laws.

Thanks for posting that.

The Rest Of The Story
 

Your reference and the information provided from the Bicycle Association is helpful. I believe a majority of auto drivers comply for a variety of reasons.
However as other posters indicate bike riders do violate every rule of the road and intentionally most of the time, not unlike motorcycles that intentionally weave in and out of traffic.

I believe you are also aware that bicycle riders are viewed broadly as an inconvenience in many cities across the country; especially in heavy traffic routes. So, and Ï say this with no malice, count your blessings when a driver tips his/her hat to you.

Personal Best Regards

a majority of auto drivers comply ---- Wrong

bike riders do violate every rule of the road and intentionally most of the time ------ Wrong

Useful information, Bosoxfan - thank you for posting it.

We should all consider others from their point of view - how would we like people to treat us if we were out there walking/cycling/driving?

Why don't you ride the cart paths or is that below you?

alzjr Fair enough. You must be a bicylist I am not. My statement was not made in absolutes nor was I taking aim at bicyclist. They exist, I accept it and I share the road

However this topic is so widely discussed that it gained entry into an article published in a respected newspaper some time ago whose main focus were on bike messengers in New York City but ventured into common discussion about drivers thoughts about bicyclist.

I would love to have posters sound off about how many times they actually saw a serious bike rider stop at an intersection, stop sign etc. because I never have. Bicyclist especially in groups/clubs do not want to lose momentum much like a jogger does not want to stop jogging even if they remain in place continuing in their perpetual motion. Again I did say every bicyclist nor am I unaware that some auto drivers ignore the rules of the road also.

Personal Best Regards:

No its not below me to ride on the ( " cart" ) multimodal path if I were on a casual ride but not if I want to move at a cardiovascular workout pace. There are more problems on the paths then you'd realize. Cyclists have the right to be on the roads I just wish ALL motorists would accept this and respect the safety of everyone on the road.

This isn't the first thread along these lines, so at risk of incurring the ire of cyclists, let's bring some clarity to this thread:

First of all, bicycles are vehicles and have the right to use the roads, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAW. I'm all in favor of safety, cyclists are much more at risk for injury than a car. However, in the spirit of sharing the road, there are RESPONSIBILITIES that go along with cyclists RIGHTS.

The link provided is to a cyclist association page, the "information" is NOT THE LAW, it is the author's OPINION and INTERPETATION of the law. So lets look at the actual Florida law:

316.2065 Bicycle regulations.—

(5)(a) Any person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions then existing shall ride in the lane marked for bicycle use or, if no lane is marked for bicycle use, as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway except under any of the following situations:
1. When overtaking and passing another bicycle or vehicle proceeding in the same direction.

2. When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway.

3. When reasonably necessary to avoid any condition or potential conflict, including, but not limited to, a fixed or moving object, parked or moving vehicle, bicycle, pedestrian, animal, surface hazard, turn lane, or substandard-width lane, which makes it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge or within a bicycle lane. For the purposes of this subsection, a “substandard-width lane” is a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and another vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.

The law is vague, it does not give a specific lane width or separation of motor vehicle and cycle. This is likely because the distance is relative to speed. The author in the link has interpreted subsection 3 to mean bicycles can ride in the middle of the road at any speed any time they want and "own the lane". This is NOT what the law states. The bicycle association itself advocates a minimum distance of 3 feet. The lanes on BV and Morse, at least south of 466A are 12-14 feet. My full size SUV is 6 feet wide, so hugging the center line, it allows 6-8 feet for the cyclist. Therefore, UNDER THE LAW, the cyclist has NO RIGHT to ride in the middle of the road at less than the speed of traffic, except as noted in subsection 1&2. It does not matter what the bicycle association has to say, only what THE LAW states. If you are riding in the middle at 35 mph, go for it. There is no reason for anyone to pass you. But if you are riding at 15 mph, you are IN VIOLATION of the law and can be cited.

Also:

(6) Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway may not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. 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 shall ride within a single lane.

How many times do we come up on 3-4-5 cycles abreast in the middle of the lane so they can chit-chat?? They are also VIOLATING THE LAW. I also agree with Rubi---there are some (not all) cyclists who are loathe to stop at stop signs or lights because of the inconvenience of toe clips. Here's news--it is also "inconvenient" to stop a car as well, but it is THE LAW.

All that being said, motorists need to realize they are much safer than cyclists and act accordingly. But that does not excuse cyclists from taking over a lane when the LAW clearly forbids it.

Now I'll retreat to the bomb shelter.

The law states bikes must be given 3 feet of clearance in FL, along with I believe 25 other states. Also, the lanes of BV are substandard with regard to width (along with virtually all of the roads in The Villages), therefore a car and a bike cannot occupy the same lane. This means that bikes can occupy an entire lane on the roads in The Villages. This has been discussed numerous times before.

A bit of biased misinformation. In FL, I think the laws state that a cyclist is required to ride as far to the right of the lane as safely as possible. It does not say that the cyclist is supposed to force passing autos into the other lane by riding near the center line. If you want courtesy from drivers, be a courteous rider.

A cyclist with common sense.

I do ride the cart paths, but that is pretty dangerous too. However, I would much rather tangle with a golf cart than a cement truck. Just sayin'.

Wrong again, as you were the last time you tried posting this misinformation. On substandard width roads, as we have in The Villages, cars must pass in the other lane as a car and bike cannot lawfully exist in the same lane. Cyclist should move to the center of the lane during those instances where a car may squeeze them off the road. This is the safe way to ride.

s. 316.083 – Overtaking and Passing A Vehicle

(1) …. The driver of a vehicle overtaking a bicycle or other nonmotorized vehicle must pass the bicycle or other nonmotorized vehicle at a safe distance of not less than 3 feet between the vehicle and the bicycle or other nonmotorized vehicle.


s. 316.2065 – Bicycle Regulations

(5)(a) 3. For the purposes of this subsection, a “substandard-width lane” is a lane too narrow for a bicycle and another vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane.

The unsafe condition of substandard-width lanes is that drivers may unlawfully and dangerously attempt to pass within the lane or use the adjacent lane when there is conflicting traffic. Although that practice subjects the overtaking motorist and the on-coming motorist to some danger, the bicyclist is the one most likely to suffer harm in those circumstances.

The provision in the Bicycle Regulations allows bicyclists to protect their space for their own safety.

The way they do that is to control the lane. They are not required to keep right. It is legal and it is the safest cycling practice under many circumstances.

Cyclists have a right to be on the road, but they also have the requirement to ride safely as far to the right as possible. You do not have the authority to enforce traffic laws. That's what the police are for. Instead of forcing drivers into another lane, record the offending car's license number and report it to the authorities. Now, from a practical standpoint, you are NEVER going to convince a significant portion of the driving population that you have as much right to the whole lane as they do. It ain't gonna happen. How long have cyclists been beating this drum? It seems like forever. So you can keep trying to dangerously enforce your interpretation of the laws, possibly/probably resulting in a competition of wills between two stubborn users of the road that may end with tragedy for both, but especially for you. Or you can accept that roads were built and primarily paid for by drivers, and learn to not only share the road, but try to defer to the driver and win them over one at a time. When I ride on the road (seldom), I try to accommodate drivers. For instance, when riding on a side street in TV, and I am riding abreast with someone else, I ALWAYS convert to riding single file as far to the right as safely as possible, giving the driver almost two lanes to pass. What I find is 95% of the time, the driver goes all the way over almost completely into the other lane to pass me. And probably 100% of the time the driver gives me ample room, even though still partially in my lane. You are not helping the cycling community by insisting on drivers complying with your interpretation of sharing the road. You only hurt the cyclists that are willing to accommodate drivers, since it is obvious the roads were designed and built for autos, not bicycles. Drivers you p!ss off, then resent ALL cyclists.

I went to the statute and did not see this (bolded and underlined). Looks like "interpretation" of the statute.

I did see this, pasted with NO added interpretation: (6) Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway may not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. 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 shall ride within a single lane.

In my opinion as a lifelong Professional Engineer in the transportation field, bicyclists (and I am one) should not be on roads with automotive travel speeds (not speed limits) averaging in excess of 30-35 mph. Irrespective of the law...there is simply no way to make it safe for all concerned. Again...just my opinion.

Please educate me by pasting those sentences where they appear in the Florida statute? Thanks in advance.

It's a bit of a stretch to think of Buena Vista Blvd as a substandard road. It has to be in the top 5% of Florida roads regarding condition, width (excluding interstates), and beauty.

Right or wrong if you tangle with an automobile or a truck you lose. It is just that simple. Accidents occur on roadways all the time. One is at fault the other may not be. Being not at fault but Severely injured or dead does not mean a lot. except in a court of law.

Well, it is section 5, right above section 6 that you are citing:

Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes : Online Sunshine

It's the width of a single on BV that is in question, not the surface.

Please read the statute again. THEY ARE REQUIRED to keep right except under the three conditions in a,b and c. The debate is going to be what is a substandard lane width. Federal Highway Department states the "standard width" of a local/county road is 9-12 feet. I doubt BV or Morse is "substandard" by the federal definition. Personally, I think a 9 foot lane would be cutting it too close, but , as stated above, a 12 foot wide lane leaves 6 feet for the cyclist and therefore, on such a road THE LAW REQUIRES THAT THEY KEEP TO THE RIGHT. PERIOD. Now, for those who have stated these boulevards are "substandard, do you know the width of the lane? I'd rather not go out and play in traffic with a tape measure (although I think some cyclists would like me too:1rotfl:) After all, I've confused the partisan opinions with FACT.

Where did you find that fact [Question Mark]
If only there was a golfer on this thread who knows how to pace off 5 yards.

:BigApplause::highfive::BigApplause:

well done

12 ft makes a road

Would you agree that the width of a car or minivan with mirrors is 90 inches

Would you agree that the law indicates you need to give a bike 3 ft to pass?

36+90=126 10 1/2 ft

You bike. How far is your front wheel to the curb? 1 1/2 ft?

Oh sh.., That's 12 ft. [i'll go away now,,,]

Agree with width of SUV----my Enclave is 89 inches edge of mirror to edge of mirror

Agree with 3 feet to pass

agree 36 + 90 =126 or 10 1/2 feet

but 10 1/2 + 1 1/2 is 12 except in common core math

But we still need to know the actual width of the lanes on BV and Morse

I went to Eisenhower, parked and paced BV. The both lanes together including the stripe in the middle is 20 ft.
Won't anyone else like to measure it?

The lanes have been measured and they are only 11 feet wide. Not enough room for a car and bicycle at the same time

Just measured Morse opposite Sarasota range---each lane, white line to center line is 12 feet. But this is absolutely the bare minimum width, IMHO, for safety. And that assumes a "good" driver and a "good" cyclist, which may be far and few between here. So, with all the FACTS in, even though the lanes are not "substandard", I think cyclists who are going to ride 25+ mph should exercise their right to "own the lane" as it is called. Might not need to do this if you see a mini-cooper coming up on you, but anything larger would put their safety at risk. If you are going to ride 15 mph, do the motorists, and your serious cycling cohorts a favor and stay on the MMPs. So in summary, my opinion would be that 14 feet and wider lanes, wherever that may be, follow the law and stay right. 12 feet and under, obey the law and "own the lane". Perhaps the Florida legislature could clear up section 5 posted above. Mia culpa to my cycling friends, they were right all along, even if it might have been for the wrong reason. Happy Trails!!!

As a former cyclist I can tell you why they often don't stop at traffic lights and stop signs. It's for the same reason that many in golf carts don't stop. When approaching an intersection at a low rate of speed you can easily see if there is traffic coming. Yes, I know the law says stop but......well, there you go.

Maybe instead of share the road a sign should say...Be Kind to your neighbors. Didn't your Mother teach you that sharing is the right thing to do?

Like clockwork, this issue keeps reappearing every couple of month. Thanks for your post.

Look people, this is not that difficult. Most serious riders are about 1-2 feet inside the white line on the side of the road. You can't hug the extreme right side of the lane because it is dangerous to be there. The roads in the The Villages are not wide enough for a car, a bike, and the required 3 feet of clearance. This requires cars to pass in the other lane as a car and a bike cannot coexist in the sub-standard width lanes with the required 3 feet of clearance. Again, most cyclist are in the right third of the lane but cars need to move into the other lane to pass in a safe, lawful manner. You will often see cyclist move from the right most third of the lane to the center of the lanes. This is for safety reasons. This will often occur near the roundabouts and on two lane road on a curve with a double solid line. Again, this is for safely reasons. This is not rocket science. Give cyclists a wide birth and pass in a lawful manner (move to the left lane).

and given what I just posted, you are 100% right. So all motorists, please watch out for you neighbor

I've tried to ride as close to the curb as possible but I almost got knocked off my bike too many times.As stated previously Buena Vista & Morse aren't wide enough to have 2 cars & a bike abreast of each other.There are way too many motorists that feel they have to stay in the right lane no matter the situation. So for my safety I force them to use the left lane to pass.

Read it again. Per your own link, what I highlighted in BOLD is not.