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Traffic Laws for Bicyclists in Miami

Like everyone else on the road, bicyclists should follow local and state traffic safety laws. Observing the appropriate traffic laws for bicyclists in Miami can help you stay safe and also protect you if you decide to pursue a lawsuit for financial compensation.

If you or a loved one suffered harm while riding a bike, a skilled bike accident attorney could help safeguard your legal rights and options and help you determine if filing a legal claim is an appropriate decision for your family.

Relevant Bike Traffic Laws in Miami

According to Florida Statutes § 316.2065, Florida treats bicycles the same as all other types of vehicles on the roads, which means that cyclists must obey the same rules of the road as drivers of cars and trucks. For example, all bicycle riders must obey posted speed limit signs, signal when turning, yield the right of way when appropriate, stop at red lights and stop signs, not drive distractedly, and not drive while impaired by drugs, alcohol, or fatigue.

In addition to following the traffic laws for all motorists, cyclists should be careful to obey rules that are specific to bicycle riders. Among other laws, cyclists must obey the following:

  • If they are unable to travel at the speed of other traffic, cyclists should travel on the far right of the road, unless they are attempting to pass another vehicle or avoid a hazard in the road
  • Bike riders can ride two across in a lane, unless the road is narrow or they are holding up traffic
  • If riding on a sidewalk, cyclists must yield to pedestrians and obey local restrictions on sidewalk use

Local attorneys are familiar with the relevant Miami traffic laws pertaining to bicycles. We will work with an injured cyclist after an accident to learn how the crash occurred and if the cyclist’s failure to obey the relevant laws had an effect on the accident.

Consequences of Violating Cycling Traffic Laws

Failure to obey bike traffic laws in Miami can have serious consequences. A cyclist’s failure to obey traffic laws could contribute to a bike accident. Because bikes offer their riders no protection, cycling accidents could lead to life-altering injuries, such as broken bones, brain injuries, paralysis, internal organ trauma, crush injuries, or disfigurement. A dedicated lawyer will aggressively fight for fair compensation after an accident. Sadly, some cyclists are unable to survive their injuries when struck by a car. In the event of a devastating loss of life, a compassionate legal team will help the surviving family of a lost loved one pursue justice in a wrongful death lawsuit.

A defense attorney for an at fault driver who struck a cyclist could use the cyclist’s failure to obey the law as evidence of the cyclist’s fault. Under Florida’s modified comparative negligence rule, a cyclist would be unable to pursue a claim if a court determines that the cyclist’s breach of the law was more than 50 percent of the cause of the crash. However, our determined legal team will search tirelessly to gather evidence to minimize the cyclist’s liability and fight for the injured cyclist or their family.

Contact a Miami Attorney About Traffic Laws for Cyclists

Traffic laws for bicyclists in Miami exist to protect cyclists and others on the road. Understanding the relevant rules can keep you safe. If you or your loved one suffered injuries in a bike accident, contact a local lawyer who can offer you knowledgeable advice and guidance.