What Cyclists Should Remember to Avoid Injury

Cycling in Florida has increasingly become a very dangerous sport. According to the 2011 Florida Traffic Crash Statistics Report by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, bicyclist fatalities increased between 2010 and 2011 by almost 58%, from 76 to 120, respectively.

We applaud the city of Tampa for its recent efforts to make our city more cyclist friendly, such as providing traffic lanes specifically designated for bicycles, and raising public awareness as to safety. To further help promote bicycle safety, consider the following important reminders of the statutory provisions set out in Section 316.2065, Florida Statutes, and other ways cyclists can avoid injury:

1. When operated on a roadway, a bike is considered a “vehicle” and the cyclist is the “operator” of a vehicle. The cyclist must follow the same traffic rules as the operator of a vehicle as well as those rules applicable to a cyclist. However, when on a sidewalk, a cyclist is considered a “pedestrian”, and must follow the same rules as that of a pedestrian as well as those rules applicable to a cyclist.

2. Cyclists under the 16 years of age must wear a helmet. Fastened. Yes, it is a battle, but make your teens and ‘tweens wear them. In fact, should a child be injured in a cycling accident, Section 316.2065(19) provides that the failure of a parent to allow a child to ride without a helmet may be considered evidence of the negligence or contributory negligence of that parent.

3. When a roadway has a marked bike lane, cyclists must use it. If there is no marked bike lane, then the cyclist must ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb. Or if on a one-way street with two or more traffic lanes, ride as close to the left-hand edge as possible.

4. If riding between sunset and sunrise: cyclists must use a front light showing a white light which can be seen from at least 500 feet; and on the rear, a reflector showing a red light visible from at least 600 feet.

5. On a roadway, a cyclist must ride with traffic. Statistics show that riding the wrong way into oncoming traffic accounts for 15% of bike-vehicle collisions. It has to do with a vehicle driver not expecting traffic, whether bike or vehicle, to be approaching from the wrong direction. However, when on a sidewalk, since a cyclist is considered a “pedestrian,” the cyclist can ride in either direction.

7. When riding on a sidewalk, cyclists must obey pedestrian intersection crossing signals. So yes, you need to wait for the crossing light to change to green.

8. Cyclists cannot use ear buds, headphones or other listening devices, other than a hearing aid. Although not specified in the statutes, it could be argued that this includes a prohibition against the use of cell phones.

9. Cyclists cannot ride while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, just as the operator of a vehicle cannot do so. However, because a driver’s license is not required to ride a bike, the requirement to submit to a breath test does not apply to a cyclist. Further, open containers of alcoholic beverages are prohibited while riding.

10. Wear bright clothing. Even if it’s just a jacket, wear something bright that will allow drivers (yes, even the ones with bad eyesight) to see you. Wearing a reflective vest is good idea, and in fact neon sportswear is increasing in popularity. There is cycling merchandise and clothing that will accommodate cycling to keep riders safe.

Keep in mind, cyclists do not have seatbelts. There is very little to protect them if they are hit and injuries sustained being struck by a car can be devastating.

Ride safe, Tampa.

If you’ve been injured in an accident while on your bicycle due to no fault of your own, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Call the Hancock Law Firm today for a FREE Consultation and speak with a Tampa personal injury attorney about your case.