AVOIDING ACCIDENTS
EMERGENCY MANEUVERS
FLORIDA'S BICYCLE SAFETY LAWS
HANDLING HAZARDS
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
TRAFFIC LAW HIGHLIGHTS

AVOIDING ACCIDENTS

Night Riding — Nearly 60 percent of all fatal bicycle accidents in Florida occur during twilight and night hours although less than three percent of bicycle use takes place at that time.

Many factors compound the danger of riding at night such as:

• Motorists driving under the influence of alcohol,
• Motorists' ability to see ahead is limited to the area illuminated by headlights. Visibility is further reduced by the glare from lights of oncoming cars;
• Roadways with motor vehicle speeds above 40 MPH pose extreme risk at night, and,
• Red reflectors on the rear of a bicycle may be mistaken for reflectors on roadside mail boxes.

Before riding at night, every bicyclist should consider the extreme risk, take extraordinary care, reduce the number of these trips, or eliminate the practice completely.

For those who must ride at night, use of additional lighting and reflectors is strongly encouraged. The use of leg lamps or any other lights that create motion should be considered. Battery-powered and generator type systems are readily available and small investment when it comes to staying alive. Reflective tape on the bicycle and reflective clothes are additional insurance.

Failure to Yield — The next most common accident is caused by failure on the part of the bicyclist or motorist to yield the right-of-way at driveways and intersections. Making eye contact with the motorists will help keep them honest. Bicyclists can help prevent accidents by yielding the right-of-way when required to, stopping for red lights and stop signs, and scanning to make sure the way is clear before turning let.

Wrong-way Riding — The second most common cause of bicycle/car collisions is bicyclists riding against traffic. By riding against traffic, bicyclists remove themselves from the normal scanning pattern of other vehicle operators and they are more likely to be hit. Second, the reaction time of both the motorist and bicyclist approaching one another is cut dramatically. Ride on the right, as required by law, and prevent this accident from happening.

Opening Car Doors/Parked Cars — Few crashes are the result of a motorist opening the door of a parked car in front of an overtaking bike. This is illegal and a collision is the motorist's fault. Avoid this one by riding no closer than three feet to a parked car. Also, be sure to watch for signs that the motorists want to move into traffic. Be prepared to use the “panic stop.”

Overtaking Cars — Statistically, this is not a big problem during daylight hours. It usually occurs at night on rural roads and involves an unlighted bicyclist and a motorist who has been drinking. Many bicyclists worry about what is behind them (this is why some ride against traffic). Becoming proficient at scanning (see the tips for scanning) and/or using a rearview mirror (see Safety Equipment) to occasionally check traffic to the rear, will ease worries about involvement in this type of accident.

Communicating with Motorists — Do your part in educating motorists to bicyclists' needs. Always signal your intentions and needs. If a motorist has been delayed temporarily while you have positioned yourself for a railroad crossing, for example, give a friendly wave of thanks. Never, never use vulgar gestures with a motorist who has wronged you. There are better ways to express disgust.

Scanning Tips — Like most riding skills, scanning to the rear takes practice. If you have trouble looking over your shoulder without swerving, try the following:

• Get a friend to hold your handlebars while you sit on the bike. Look over your left shoulder keeping both hands on the handlebars, and notice what your hands, arms, and shoulders are doing. Your left side is probably pulling back on the handlebar.
• After a little practice at moving only your head, find an empty parking lot and try it while riding in a straight line. Then try dropping your left hand and resting it on your thigh while looking over your left shoulder and coasting for a while.

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Note: There is an element of risk in practicing these emergency maneuvers. You may fall, so wear long pants, long sleeves, gloves and a helmet. Start slowly then work up to a normal speed.

Rock Dodge: A wide swerve around a pothole or rock can send you into the path of an overtaking auto. This maneuver will allow you to avoid any last minute hazards without swerving. For practice, toss a sponge into a clear area in an empty parking lot. Slowly pedal directly toward the sponge and at the last second turn your handlebars left to avoid it. Quickly turn back to the right to prevent a fall. Then straighten out. Hitting the object with your rear wheel is not serious, since the front wheel steers the bicycle. Once you become accomplished at this maneuver, traffic behind you will not even notice it.

Emergency Turns: If a car suddenly turns into your path what do you do? Hopefully, you anticipate the problem and you can stop in time. If you cannot stop then turn WITH the car. To do this, turn the front wheel to the left toward the car forcing your body to lean to the right. Now quickly turn to the right at a sharp angle to follow along side the car. In most cases you will avoid the collision. Practice this technique in the parking lot too. If you do it right, it will feel uncomfortable at first, but one day it might save a painful injury.

Panic Stop: Stopping fast requires a harder use of the front brake than the rear brake. However, this can cause you to catapult. To counteract this tendency, practice the following in an empty parking lot wearing a helmet: ride slowly, then at a predetermined point apply both brakes evenly while moving back on the saddle and lowering your chest horizontally. As you move back and down, apply greater pressure to the front brake until it is about three times that on the rear brake. Continue practicing at gradually faster speeds, but remember if you feel the rear wheel beginning to skid, let off a bit on the front brake.

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FLORIDA'S BICYCLE SAFETY LAWS

LEGAL STATUS
In Florida the bicycle is legally defined as a vehicle. Bicyclists have the same rights to the roadway, and must obey the same traffic laws as operators of other vehicles. These laws include stopping for stop signs and red lights, riding with the flow of traffic, using lights at night and yielding the right-of-way when entering a roadway.

With few exceptions, there is only one road and it is up to bicyclists and motorists to treat each other with care and respect. Strict adherence to the law is the foundation for this respect.

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Dogs: Even a friendly dog can be a danger to bicyclists by jumping at the bicycle or getting in front of the wheel and causing a crash.

DO:

• Command the dog to “GO HOME.”
• Dismount with the bicycle between you and the dog and walk away slowly.
• Squirt the dog with water from your water bottle.
• Call the authorities and let them know about the loose dog.
• Take another route next time.

DON'T:

• Kick at the dog. You could be thrown off balance or bitten.
• Try to outrun the dog. It might chase you and cause a fall.
• Hit the dog with sticks or your pump. This will likely provoke it (or its owner) to more violence.

Railroad tracks: Be sure to cross railroad tracks at a 90 degree angle; otherwise the tracks may trap the front wheel causing a fall.

Potholes: Hitting a pothole can cause a fall and injury or, at a minimum, damage wheel rims, spokes and forks. A wide swerve around a pothole can send you into the path of an overtaking car. Use the “rock dodge” maneuver to avoid potholes.

Grates: Tires may fall through sewer and drainage grates. When the front tire drops, you go over the handlebars. Scan for traffic and move further into the lane to go around them.

Rain: Watch out for slippery surfaces; especially leaves, motor oil and paint strips. Corner slowly, avoid puddles and brake early.

Sand, Gravel, Leaves: Steer around these when possible. If you must ride over them, steer a straight line and never brake or turn sharply.

For more information on Florida's bicycle laws or safety, contact:

Broward County Bicycle Coordinator
218 S.W. 1st Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 357-6641

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SAFETY EQUIPMENT

Helmets — Nearly 75% of all bicycle related deaths are the result of head injuries. The use of helmets would prevent many of these deaths. A bicycle shop is a good place to buy a helmet. There a knowledgeable professional can assist with selection and proper fit.

Gloves — Gloves provide protection for hands in case of a fall and cushion them from handlear vibration.

Mirror — Use a rearview mirror to keep track of traffic approaching from behind. Mirrors that attach to glasses or a helmet allow for scanning by turning your head from side to side. Some attach on the handlebars but may only give a view of your leg or hip. Shop with care.

Safety Flag or Vest — A pennant shaped flag or vest made of “day-glow” orange material helps where heavy traffic hides a bicyclist from view. Being visible is a very important part of avoiding collisions. It is encouraged that every bicycle be equipped with a clearly visible flag and/or the rider wears a reflective vest.

Rear Carrier — Bicycle riding requires total concentration. Do not add to distractions by trying to carry things in your hands. Use a carrier.

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TRAFFIC LAW HIGHLIGHTS

Bicycle regulations (see Section 316.2065, F. S.)

• Bicyclists must obey all traffic controls and signals.
• Bicyclists must use a fixed, regular seat for riding.
• A bicycle may not be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed or equipped.
• An adult bicyclist may carry a child in a backpack or sling, child seat or trailer designed to carry children.
• A bicyclist may not allow a passenger to remain in a child seat or carrier when not in immediate control of the bicycle.
• Bicyclists and passengers under age 16 must wear a helmet approved by ANSI, Snell or any other standard recognized by Florida.
• At least one hand must be kept on the handlebars while riding.
• Parents and guardians must not knowingly allow a child or minor ward to violate any provisions of this section.
• Every bicycle must be equipped with a brake or brakes which allow the rider to stop within 25 feet from a speed of 10 miles per hour on dry, level, clean pavement.

Sidewalk Riding (see Section 316,2065, F.S.)

• When riding on sidewalks or in crosswalks, a bicyclist has the same rights and duties as a pedestrian.
• A bicyclist riding on sidewalks or in crosswalks must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and must give an audible signal before passing.

Lighting (see Section 316.2065, F.S.)

• A bicycle operated between sunset and sunrise must be equipped with a lamp on the front exhibiting a white light visible from 500 feet to the front and both a red reflector and a lamp on the rear exhibiting a red light visible from 600 feet to the rear.
• Additional lighting is permitted and recommended. See the “Night Riding” section for safety tips.

Roadway Position (see Section 316.2065, F.S.)

• A bicyclist who is not traveling at the same speed of other traffic must ride as close as practicable to the right hand curb or edge of roadway. A bicyclist may leave the right-most portion of the road in the following situations: when passing, making a left turn, to avoid hazards, or when a lane is too narrow for a bicycle and a car to share it safely.
• A bicyclist operating on a one-way street with two or more traffic lanes may ride as close to the left hand edge of the roadway as practicable.
• Riding single file is required except on bike paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles, or when two people riding side-by-side within one lane will not impede traffic flow.

Left Turns (see Subsections 316.155(1)(b)(c), F.S.)

• A bicyclist intending to make a vehicle left turn is entitled to full use of the lane from which the turn is made. After scanning, signaling and moving to the center of that lane, the bicyclist must check the signal, then proceed when it is green and safe to do so.
• In addition to the normal vehicle left turn, a bicyclist may proceed through the right-most portion of the intersection and turn as close to the curb or edge as possible at the far side. After complying with any official traffic control device, the bicyclist may proceed in the new direction of travel.
• Another option available to a bicyclist is to dismount and walk through the intersection in the crosswalk like a pedestrian.

Signaling Turns (see Subsection 316.155(2) and 316.157(2), F.S.)

• A signal or intention to trn must be given during the last 100 feet traveled by the vehicle before turning. If a bicyclist needs both hands for control, the signal need not be given continuously
• A bicyclist may signal intent to turn right either by extending the left hand and arm upward or by extending the right hand and arm horizontally to the right side of the bicycle.

Headsets (see Section 316.304, F.S.)

• A bicyclist must not wear a headset, headphone or other listening device other than a hearing aid when riding. Wearing a headset blocks out important audio cues needed to detect the presence of other traffic.

Civil Penalties (see Subsections 316.2065 and 318.18 F.S.)

• Civil penalties may be issued for violations of bicycle laws as well as for moving and non-moving violations if applicable.

Local Ordinances

• The local governments of counties, cities, towns and other municipalities can adopt ordinances regulating bicycle riding. Some towns may also have registration and licensing ordinances. Sidewalk riding may be prohibited entirely or only in certain areas such as business districts. Local law enforcement agencies can provide copies of local ordinances.

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