• Bicyclists are afforded the same rights as motor vehicle operators.woman on a bicycle image by Wimbledon from Fotolia.com
  
  Bicycles are legally defined as a vehicle in Florida. Therefore, bicyclists are afforded the same rights on the road as motor vehicle operators. The responsibilities of motor vehicle operators also apply, however, so bicyclists must also adhere to the same road rules and regulations. Florida bicycle traffic laws are straightforward.
  
  

General Regulations

• Bicycles are entitled to full use of a road lane, including straightaways, turning lanes and parking spots. Bicyclists must follow all traffic signals and road signs. This means stopping at red lights and stop signs and yielding to other vehicles when necessary. Bicyclists must keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times. Unless specially designed to carry more than one passenger, bicycles can only carry one person at a time. The bicycle must have a fixed seat for riding. All bicycles must be equipped with a braking system that allows the rider to stop the bike completely within 25 feet at a speed on 10 miles an hour on a dry, level and clean surface.
  
  

Lighting

• A bicycle in use from sunset to sunrise must be equipped with an appropriate lighting system. This includes a frontal, white light that shines at least 500 feet to the front of the bicycle and a rear-facing, red light that shines at least 600 feet to the back of the bicycle. Bicycles in use at night must also be equipped with at least one rear-facing, red reflector. Florida encourages the use of additional lighting, though it is not required by law.
  
  

Sidewalk Use

• Unless otherwise stated, bicyclists are allowed to ride on public sidewalks. When riding a sidewalk or crosswalk, bicyclists must follow all rules of the road and yield the right of way to pedestrians. An audible signal is also required to pass either a pedestrian or another bicyclist on a sidewalk.
  
  

Signaling Turns

• Florida law mandates that bicyclists must give visible hand signals when turning at least 100 feet in advance of the turn. Hand signals may not be given in cases where the rider feels unsafe signaling a turn.
  
  

Distractions

• Bicyclists are not allowed use headsets, music devices, headphones or any other kind of listening devices except for a hearing aid when riding on a bicycle. Riders should be able to hear audible commands or clues necessary to detect traffic conditions and warnings.