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Improved Statutes for Cyclists and Pedestrians

Johan van Tol | Published on 9/22/2021

It seems that few people know about it, but the statutes governing the rules of the road changed a bit to benefit cyclists and pedestrians. HB/SB 950 passed unanimously in the House and the Senate. 

MoveOverForPeople The main things that these rules of the road changes address are:

1. Providing that no-passing zones (double yellow centerlines) do not apply to motorists who safely and briefly drive to the left of center of the roadway to overtake a bicycle, provided that such a passing continues to give the cyclist the necessary three feet passing clearance. If a motorist cannot safely pass at a distance of 3 feet or more, the law clearly states they must wait until a safe moment to pass.

2. Requiring a vehicle making a right turn while overtaking and/or passing a cyclist to do so only if the cyclist is at least 20 feet from the intersection and at a distance that the driver of the vehicle may safely turn.

3. Authorizing cyclists riding in groups, after coming to a full stop, to go through an intersection in groups of 10 or fewer. Motorists are now required to let one such group pass before proceeding.

4. 
Providing guidelines for riding a bicycle in a substandard width lane and authorizing cyclists to ride two abreast to avoid dangerous conditions.


Also, the law required more questions to be asked on the driver's exam that deal with cyclists and pedestrians. Perhaps this will help to get some more people actually knowing the rules. 


We thank the Florida Bicycle Association for their work on this issue, and if you have time, please write a little note to the sponsors of the house and senate versions of this bill below. 


CS/HB 605
Representative Christine Hunscofsky / Sponsor
Representative Anna Eskamani / Co-sponsor
Representative Emily Slosberg / Co-sponsor
Representative Cyndi Stevenson / Co-sponsor
Representative Jackie Toledo / Co-sponsor
Representative Marie Paule Woodson / Co-sponsor

CS/SB 950
Senator Lauren Book / Sponsor

Bicycle House Tallahassee