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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2010 ranked Florida as the second deadliest state in terms of bicycle fatalities. 

"Motorists and cyclists each need to be safety-conscious when on Florida's roads," says Florida Bike Accident Injury Attorney, Randall Spivey, Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.  "The League of American Bicyclists, which was founded in 1880, has as its mission - promoting bicycling for fun, fitness, and transportation and working through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America. I'd like to share with you the League's guidelines for motorists and bicyclists when sharing the road."

Sharing the Road: Motorists 

            Drive Cautiously:
                         Reduce speed when encountering cyclists.
                        Don't tailgate, especially in bad weather.
                        Recognize hazards cyclists may face and give them space.

            Yield to Cyclists:
                        Bicycles are considered vehicles.
                        Cyclists should be given the appropriate right of way.
                        Allow extra time for cyclists to traverse intersections.

            Be Considerate:
                        Scan for cyclists in traffic and at intersections.
                        Do not blast your horn in close proximity to cyclists. 
                        Look for cyclists when opening doors.

            Pass with Care:
                        When passing, leave four feet between you and a cyclist.
                        Wait for safe road and traffic conditions before you pass.
                        Check over your shoulder before moving back.

            Watch for Children:
                        Children on bicycles are often unpredictable.
                        Expect the unexpected and slow down.
                        Don't expect children to know traffic laws.
                        Because of their size children can be harder to see. 

Sharing the Road: Cyclists 

          On the Road: 
                        The same laws that apply to motorists apply to cyclists.
                        Obey all traffic control devices.
                        Use hand signals to indicate stops and turns other users.

            Always Wear a Properly Fitting Helmet:
                        Wear a helmet, no matter how short the trip.

            Ride on the Right: 
                        Always ride in the same direction as traffic.
                        Use the furthest right lane that heads to your destination. 
                        Slower moving cyclists and motorists stay to the right.

            Ride Predictably:
                        Ride in a straight line.
                        Don't swerve in the road or between parked cars.
                        Check for traffic before entering the street or intersection.
                        Anticipate hazards and adjust your position accordingly.

            Be Visible:
                        Wear brightly colored clothing that provides contrast. 
                        Use a white front light in low light conditions. 
                        Use a red rear light in low light conditions. 
                        Use a reflector or reflective tape or clothing anytime. 
                        Announce yourself by making eye contact with motorists.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) also provides several sources for cyclists.  You may click on the links below to access them:

  Florida Bicycle Law Enforcement Guide (2012)    

  Group Bicycling

"We at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. see the results of crashes between bicyclists and motorists and provide this information to help prevent serious injuries or death."

Florida Bike Accident Injury Attorney Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by less than 2 percent of Florida attorneys. He has handled over 1,500 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