The state legislature has modified the traffic laws concerning bicycle transportation and safety. Accidents in Florida involving bicycle riders are common and often deadly, so state lawmakers have taken it upon themselves to enhance bicycle safety laws.
Safe passing
One of the most common types of bicycle accidents is being struck by a vehicle that is too close passing the rider. The new law stipulates that drivers must stay at least three feet from a bicyclist when passing. In order to accommodate this change more effectively, motorists can now move beyond the yellow dividing line between lanes.
Restricted right turn on red
Motorists in Florida are generally allowed legally to make a right turn at a red light. This can be a hazardous move when a bicycle is present at the intersection as well. Drivers now cannot turn in front a bicycle with less than a 20-foot distance to the vehicle for the bicyclist going forward as this is a common scenario in many bicycle injury cases.
Left turns for bicyclists
The new law establishes that those on a bicycle should make left turns from the left turn lane on the highway. This practice is a movement that many bicyclists do not want to attempt because of the dangers involved, but it has been made law by the state.
These are the primary changes to bicycle laws regarding navigating traffic in Florida for both motorists and bicycle operators. Individuals should keep this in mind with their PIP coverage on their personal auto insurance policy because it may help compensate them for injuries if they are struck by a car while cycling.