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Rules of the Road for Bicycles
11/24/09 - 05:25 PM
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It seems more people are taking to the roads and highways on bicycles these days.  And, some may not be observing all the laws.  I received a couple of emails about bicycle safety and questions about safety issues.  So, I thought it best to go to one of the experts to get the right advice in this on your side Problem Solver.

Panama City Police Corporal Billy Carstarphen is very familiar with a bicycle.  He rides one in addition to his patrol car while on duty.  The corporal says the first safety tip on riding your bike is to ride with the flow of traffic.  Corporal Carstarphen says, “the bicycle has to ride and obey the same laws as any vehicle traveling on roadway…when you ride against the traffic you are violating…all Florida laws that regulates bicycles and you are putting yourself in harm’s way.”

Corporal Carstarphen says bike riders should take advantage of designated bicycle lanes.  He says, “it is best to travel in that bike lane versus traveling on sidewalks.  Sidewalks are for pedestrian traffic.”

What about the kids?  “Kids under 16 years age, they need helmets…at all times.. the law requires them to have helmet on and it is parents’ responsibility to make sure that child is properly helmeted,” says Corporal Carstarphen.  He also says, even for older riders, helmets are very important to protect against injury.

Another big safety issue…riding your bicycle at night.  According to safety information, Corporal Carstarphen says you have to have a front light that is well lit between the hours of sunset and sunrise.  Also, the front light should be a white in color light and should be able to be seen 500 feet away.  The rear light should be red in color just like on our vehicles and should be able to be seen 600 feet away.  Reflectors are very good, but even with reflectors, you need the light on the front and on the rear.

And, proper clothing is another consideration at night especially.  Wear light colored, even reflective safety gear so you can been seen easily. 

Again, if you are riding a bicycle, police say you must obey all laws just like any motorist on the highway.

Bicycle Safety Information