[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by Mortal1

cyclists are not supposed to ride abreast of each other, cyclists do not have the right to a whole lane(that is part of the arrogance you yourself ignore), cyclists should ride in single file(you want to take lead then do it when no traffic is present).

Where did you get that information? It is wrong (see below). What book or website or official is providing misinformation?


Florida law states:
- Depending on the width of the lane, bicyclists may have the right to the whole lane: 316.2065(5)(a)3. Most (all?) roads around the Villages are of "substandard" width.
- Cyclists may not ride *more* than two abreast: 316.2065(6)(a)

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by admiral72

s. 316.130 – Pedestrians; Traffic Regulations

(3) Where sidewalks are provided, no pedestrian shall, unless required by other circumstances, walk along and upon the portion of a roadway paved for vehicular traffic.

And paved shoulders are not allowed to be used by vehicles or runners/pedestrians just cyclists in Florida

Different rules apply to marked bicycle lanes

Hard to believe you didn't read the very next sentence in that statute:

(4) Where sidewalks are not provided, any pedestrian walking along and upon a highway shall, when practicable, walk only on the shoulder on the left side of the roadway in relation to the pedestrian’s direction of travel, facing traffic which may approach from the opposite direction.

If you don't believe that applies then which statute says that paved shoulders are reserved for bicyclists only?

[kendi]

Originally Posted by Babubhat

Why have I not seen a bicycle stop at a sign in 7 years? Yes, never

Maybe because you don’t notice those who follow the rules, only the ones who don’t.

[MX rider]

Originally Posted by rrtjp

I don’t understand why a runner or a walker rather use the street than a sidewalk or path?

I don't get that either. I've been running for 41 years. Given the choice I always opt for a sidewalk when available. We have mountain bikes at our home in TV. We ride the MM paths quite a bit and have no issues for the most part, but it's casual riding. We would rather bike than use a car or golf cart.

When we want a more intense ride we simply drive to Santos Trailhead and ride the trails there. Awesome place, and all we have to worry about is other riders and trees. lol.

I've been riding motorcycles since I was 10. I still love riding my dirt bike but I gave up street riding 8 years ago. Too many bad, distracted and impaired drivers.

[Rodneysblue]

Originally Posted by kkimball

Here are my (opinionated) answers to common cycling questions I've seen recently on this forum.

If you have more questions, post them here, and I'll answer them as best I can.

Q: Why don't cyclists stick to the MMPs?
A: The MMPs are great for a casual ride, but the frequent stops and corners make for a slow ride. Many cyclists prefer the open roads because they can go faster and get a better workout.

Q: Why do people ride bikes when it's so dangerous?
A: Every activity has some amount of risk. Cyclists know and have accepted the risk. My opinion is that The Villages is safer than other areas because motorists are more accustomed to seeing cyclists on the road.

Q: Why do cyclists ride down the middle of the lane?
A: Because they don't want to be passed in *their* lane. Motorists should move to the lane on the left before passing a cyclist in the right lane and only pass when it's safe. Please be patient and always give cyclists at least 3-feet of clearance when passing.

Q: Why don't cyclists follow the rules of the road?
A: They absolutely should, but like motorists, cyclists sometimes don't pay attention as much as they should or outright skirt the rules.

Q: Why don't cyclists have more lights so seeing them is easier?
A: They should. Brighter tail lights and headlights are a good idea. When riding earlier or later in the day, wearing bright colored LED lights is also a good idea.

Q: What happened to ABC cyclist that got hit on XYZ road?
A: Most accidents are not widely reported.

Q: Why are cyclists so arrogant?
A: Cyclists are people, and some of them are arrogant. Most are not, in my experience.

These are my opinions and observations. I'm happy to hear yours.

I remember seeing this when I was researching riding in Florida. Florida Bicycle Laws, was posted in the Gainesville Cycling Club.

Roadway Position (see Section 316.2065, F.S.)

A bicyclist who is not traveling at the same speed of other traffic must 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 in the following situations: when passing, making a left turn, to avoid road hazards, or when a lane is too narrow for a bicycle and a car to share safely.
A bicyclist operating on a one-way street with two or more traffic lanes may ride as close to the left-hand edge of the roadway as practicable.
Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall 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 shall not impede traffic when traveling at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions existing, and shall ride within a single lane.
This was copied from the Gainesville Cycleing Club’s website.

[EdFNJ]

Originally Posted by admiral72

s. 316.130 – Pedestrians; Traffic Regulations

(3) Where sidewalks are provided, no pedestrian shall, unless required by other circumstances, walk along and upon the portion of a roadway paved for vehicular traffic. see below




s. 316.130 – Pedestrians; Traffic Regulations

(3) Where sidewalks are provided, no pedestrian shall, unless required by other circumstances, walk along and upon the portion of a roadway paved for vehicular traffic.

And paved shoulders are not allowed to be used by vehicles or runners/pedestrians just cyclists in Florida

Different rules apply to marked bicycle lanes

Correct and has been posted ad nauseam however there are also laws governing speed limits, proper use of turn signals, stopping at stop signs, declaring all one's income, littering, keeping to the right, spitting, urinating in public, putting up illegal signs, golf carts capable of exceeding 20mph, making noise after hours, unleashed dogs and many others as well which I am sure everyone follows to the "T".

[Laker14]

Originally Posted by Rodneysblue

I remember seeing this when I was researching riding in Florida. Florida Bicycle Laws, was posted in the Gainesville Cycling Club.

Roadway Position (see Section 316.2065, F.S.)

A bicyclist who is not traveling at the same speed of other traffic must 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 in the following situations: when passing, making a left turn, to avoid road hazards, or when a lane is too narrow for a bicycle and a car to share safely.
A bicyclist operating on a one-way street with two or more traffic lanes may ride as close to the left-hand edge of the roadway as practicable.
Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall 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 shall not impede traffic when traveling at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions existing, and shall ride within a single lane.
This was copied from the Gainesville Cycleing Club’s website.

It doesn't say who gets to determine when it's safe or not.

[Tbrazie]

Originally Posted by ElDiabloJoe

Cyclists, in my experience, have earned their reputation. Especially when they are riding in their massive pelotons, these Lance Armstrong wannabes blatantly ignore stop signs, hold up traffic, and arrogantly "Take the lane."

They complain about cars passing them too closely or that they alone should take up an entire vehicular travel lane, but they are also the worst violators.

When I was running dozens of miles per week during marathon training build-ups, they would zoom past me and purposely try to skim shoulders as they did so. Their attempts to intimidate me out of my run often led to me sticking my arms straight out as they passed, and they were none-too-happy about being clothes-lined in that fashion. However, I was just "taking my lane."

Cyclist is just another way of saying arrogant jerk, and dorky looking loser. Clicking around in their little cycle shoes and tight clothes like teen aged girls in high heels walking on the dance floor.

Not here to start a war, but you did open the door to the topic. So, reiterating, I think they have earned their reputation and the disdain of all other road users.

Really, I am a cyclist and I very much take issue with your rant. It seems we have a many arrogant, selfish people out there of all kinds, but to characterize a group as all being that way is just unfair. Also, when I run, there is plenty of room for a cyclist to pass in the same lane as I. Only a jerk would closeline someone else under any conditions.

[Bill14564]

Originally Posted by Laker14

It doesn't say who gets to determine when it's safe or not.

Florida does: Section 316.083

[Vermilion Villager]

Originally Posted by Babubhat

Why have I not seen a bicycle stop at a sign in 7 years? Yes, never

I'm sure no one EVER has....because they don't!!!!

[Rodneysblue]

The 2021 Florida Statutes


Title XXIII
MOTOR VEHICLES
Chapter 316
STATE UNIFORM TRAFFIC CONTROL
View Entire Chapter
316.2065 Bicycle regulations.—
(1) Every person propelling a vehicle by human power has all of the rights and all of the duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle under this chapter, except as to special regulations in this chapter, and except as to provisions of this chapter which by their nature can have no application.
(2) A person operating a bicycle may not ride other than upon or astride a permanent and regular seat attached thereto unless the bicycle was designed by the manufacturer to be ridden without a seat.
(3)(a) A bicycle may not be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed or equipped, except that an adult rider may carry a child securely attached to his or her person in a backpack or sling.
(b) Except as provided in paragraph (a), a bicycle rider must carry any passenger who is a child under 4 years of age, or who weighs 40 pounds or less, in a seat or carrier that is designed to carry a child of that age or size and that secures and protects the child from the moving parts of the bicycle.
(c) A bicycle rider may not allow a passenger to remain in a child seat or carrier on a bicycle when the rider is not in immediate control of the bicycle.
(d) A bicycle rider or passenger who is under 16 years of age must wear a bicycle helmet that is properly fitted and is fastened securely upon the passenger’s head by a strap and that meets the federal safety standard for bicycle helmets, final rule, 16 C.F.R. part 1203. As used in this subsection, the term “passenger” includes a child who is riding in a trailer or semitrailer attached to a bicycle.
(e) Law enforcement officers and school crossing guards may issue a bicycle safety brochure and a verbal warning to a bicycle rider or passenger who violates this subsection. A bicycle rider or passenger who violates this subsection may be issued a citation by a law enforcement officer and assessed a fine for a pedestrian violation, as provided in s. 318.18. The court shall dismiss the charge against a bicycle rider or passenger for a first violation of paragraph (d) upon proof of purchase of a bicycle helmet that complies with this subsection.
(4) No person riding upon any bicycle, coaster, roller skates, sled, or toy vehicle may attach the same or himself or herself to any vehicle upon a roadway. This subsection does not prohibit attaching a bicycle trailer or bicycle semitrailer to a bicycle if that trailer or semitrailer is commercially available and has been designed for such attachment.
(5)(a) A 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 must ride in the bicycle lane or, if there is no bicycle lane on the roadway, 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.
(b) A person operating a bicycle upon a one-way highway with two or more marked traffic lanes may ride as near the left-hand curb or edge of such roadway as practicable.
(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.
(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.
(7) Every bicycle in use between sunset and sunrise shall be equipped with a lamp on the front exhibiting a white light visible from a distance of at least 500 feet to the front and a lamp and reflector on the rear each exhibiting a red light visible from a distance of 600 feet to the rear. A bicycle or its rider may be equipped with lights or reflectors in addition to those required by this section. A law enforcement officer may issue a bicycle safety brochure and a verbal warning to a bicycle rider who violates this subsection or may issue a citation and assess a fine for a pedestrian violation as provided in s. 318.18. The court shall dismiss the charge against a bicycle rider for a first violation of this subsection upon proof of purchase and installation of the proper lighting equipment.
(8) No parent of any minor child and no guardian of any minor ward may authorize or knowingly permit any such minor child or ward to violate any of the provisions of this section.
(9) A person propelling a vehicle by human power upon and along a sidewalk, or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk, has all the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian under the same circumstances.
(10) A person propelling a bicycle upon and along a sidewalk, or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk, shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing such pedestrian.
(11) No person upon roller skates, or riding in or by means of any coaster, toy vehicle, or similar device, may go upon any roadway except while crossing a street on a crosswalk; and, when so crossing, such person shall be granted all rights and shall be subject to all of the duties applicable to pedestrians.
(12) This section shall not apply upon any street while set aside as a play street authorized herein or as designated by state, county, or municipal authority.
(13) Every bicycle shall be equipped with a brake or brakes which will enable its rider to stop the bicycle within 25 feet from a speed of 10 miles per hour on dry, level, clean pavement.
(14) A person engaged in the business of selling bicycles at retail shall not sell any bicycle unless the bicycle has an identifying number permanently stamped or cast on its frame.
(15)(a) A person may not knowingly rent or lease any bicycle to be ridden by a child who is under the age of 16 years unless:
1. The child possesses a bicycle helmet; or
2. The lessor provides a bicycle helmet for the child to wear.
(b) A violation of this subsection is a nonmoving violation, punishable as provided in s. 318.18.
(16) The court may waive, reduce, or suspend payment of any fine imposed under subsection (3) or subsection (15) and may impose any other conditions on the waiver, reduction, or suspension. If the court finds that a person does not have sufficient funds to pay the fine, the court may require the performance of a specified number of hours of community service or attendance at a safety seminar.
(17) Notwithstanding s. 318.21, all proceeds collected pursuant to s. 318.18 for violations under paragraphs (3)(e) and (15)(b) shall be deposited into the State Transportation Trust Fund.
(18) The failure of a person to wear a bicycle helmet or the failure of a parent or guardian to prevent a child from riding a bicycle without a bicycle helmet may not be considered evidence of negligence or contributory negligence.
(19) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person who violates this section commits a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a pedestrian violation as provided in chapter 318. A law enforcement officer may issue traffic citations for a violation of subsection (3) or subsection (15) only if the violation occurs on a bicycle path or road, as defined in s. 334.03. However, a law enforcement officer may not issue citations to persons on private property, except any part thereof which is open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular traffic.
History.—s. 1, ch. 71-135; s. 1, ch. 76-31; s. 2, ch. 76-286; s. 1, ch. 78-353; s. 8, ch. 83-68; s. 5, ch. 85-309; s. 1, ch. 86-23; s. 7, ch. 87-161; s. 21, ch. 94-306; s. 899, ch. 95-148; s. 1, ch. 96-185; s. 2, ch. 97-300; s. 161, ch. 99-248; s. 6, ch. 2010-223; s. 7, ch. 2012-27; s. 6, ch. 2012-181; s. 7, ch. 2020-69; s. 1, ch. 2021-20; s. 5, ch. 2021-180.
Note.—Former s. 316.111.

[rustyp]

Why all the hubbub ? Cycling in The Villages is just nature's way of voluntarily culling the herd. Fewer people lessens the negative impacts on the planet.

[ElDiabloJoe]

Originally Posted by Tbrazie

Really, I am a cyclist and I very much take issue with your rant.

Of course you do.

Originally Posted by Tbrazie

seems we have a many arrogant, selfish people out there of all kinds, but to characterize a group as all being that way is just unfair.

If the shoe fits.

Originally Posted by Tbrazie

when I run, there is plenty of room for a cyclist to pass in the same lane as I.

me, not I. "...to pass in the same lane as me."

Originally Posted by Tbrazie

a jerk would closeline someone else under any conditions.

But it's okay for them to sideswipe me, a vulnerable pedestrian wearing no helmet or other PPE? I guess it makes them feel like vroom-vroom a racecar passing a competitor or some other form of superiority? I have no idea why they do it, really, I just have experienced that they do do it. Am I to remain defenseless?

[JimmyO3]

So much anger, WOW
In my five plus years of cycling I never witnessed any negative behavior toward walkers or joggers.
When in large groups (peloton) on two lane roads we always either stayed in a tight mass or split into two or more groups, leaving space in between for passing vehicles.

THERE IS ENOUGH ROOM FOR ALL OF US!

Lighten up and enjoy retirement.

[KarenandJohn]

Great answers!