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Jonathan Adkins, Executive Director of the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) says, “We need to treat pedestrian safety like the public health emergency that it is.”

Florida legislators are taking pedestrian and walker safety seriously. BikeWalkLee says the Florida legislature approved legislation that could have a positive impact on biker and walker issues. The “Move Over for People” Act was signed into law by Governor DeSantis on June 29, 2021, and became effective on July 1, 2021.

USA Today reported that the act adds clarity to existing Florida statutes. It is believed this clarity will benefit bikers, walkers, and drivers “…by making the intent of existing safety efforts clearer and easier to grasp.”

Move Over for People clarifies the following:

3-Foot Rule for Passing Bikers and Pedestrians – Defines a bike line and separated bike lane and sets passing requirements.

Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) Education & Testing Program – The DHSMV is to provide an awareness campaign for vehicles overtaking bicycles, other non-motorized vehicles, or pedestrians. Also, they will require there be at least 25 questions in a driver's license test that address bicycle and pedestrian safety.

No-Passing Zones – The act says that no-passing zones do not apply to drivers who safely and briefly drive to the left of the center to overtake a bicycle, other non-motorized vehicles, an electric bicycle, or pedestrian.

Right-Hand Turns – Vehicles that make a right turn while overtaking and passing a bicycle going in the same direction can only do so if the bicycle is at least 20 feet from the intersection.

Bicycle Group Riding – After coming to a complete stop, groups can go through intersections in groups of 10 or fewer, rather than a long single line.

Guidelines for Riding in Sub-Standard Wide Lanes – The act authorizes riders to ride two abreast if certain conditions exist. 

"These new clarifications are important to the safety of all Florida’s bikers and walkers. Accidents between motor vehicles, bicycles and/or pedestrians often produce disastrous outcomes, especially for the bicyclist or pedestrian, who has little or no protection against the much larger and heavier vehicle. Should you or a loved one be injured because of the negligence of another, please contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. after seeking medical attention.  We represent people involved in numerous types of personal injury and wrongful death accidents throughout the state of Florida. All of our clients have unique personal injury cases. Our firm provides personal contact and communication along with aggressive representation. There are no costs or attorney fees until we receive a monetary recovery for our client, and we are available to assist 24/7,” said Fort Myers Accident Attorney Randall Spivey.

Fort Myers Accident Attorney Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County at 239.793.7748.