With many bike trails, walking paths, and scenic sidewalks, it’s no wonder that pedestrians and bicyclists utilize Florida roadways for recreation and exercise. However, pedestrians and bicyclists are the most likely population to suffer serious injuries in a road accident. These accidents are often caused by a failure of both drivers and pedestrians to share the road adequately. Whether you’re driving, cycling, or walking, here’s what you need to know about Florida’s share the road laws to help prevent serious accidents and injuries.
Who is a Vulnerable Road User?
Florida Statute 316.027(1)(b) defines a vulnerable road user as anyone who isn’t operating a motor vehicle. Vulnerable road users include pedestrians, bicyclists, motorcyclists, skateboarders, horseback riders, farm tractor operators, and individuals using mopeds or scooters. Vulnerable road users also include individuals with mobility issues who use electric scooters for transportation.
How Common are Vulnerable Road User Accidents?
Florida is one of the highest-ranking states for accidents involving vulnerable road users. In 2022, Florida had the second-highest number of pedestrian accidents. Several metro areas in Central Florida rank among the top 20 most dangerous places for pedestrians. In 2024, 950 bicyclists were injured in accidents, resulting in over 200 fatalities. Over 1,400 pedestrians were injured in road accidents, resulting in 700 deaths. Most pedestrian accidents occur between 6 pm and 9 am, especially between dusk and dawn.
Share the Road Laws: Driver Responsibilities
When sharing the road, drivers are required to follow all Florida road laws. These laws include following all traffic signals, stopping at stop signs and crosswalks, maintaining a safe speed, and refraining from reckless acts, such as texting and driving. Drivers also need to be overly cautious in school zones and when a school bus has its stop sign activated.
Sharing the Road With Pedestrians
Pedestrians are vulnerable to serious injuries in accidents because of failures in sharing the road. Just as drivers need to obey all traffic laws, pedestrians must also follow the same guidelines to ensure their own safety. We outline pedestrian safety guidelines here. These laws require pedestrians to use crosswalks when they are available; the risk of crossing in an undesignated area is simply too significant. Not only is it unsafe to cross without a crosswalk, but it’s also illegal according to Florida law. In addition, pedestrians are required to use sidewalks if they are available. If there is no sidewalk, pedestrians need to walk on the left-hand side of the road to face oncoming traffic. The law also prohibits pedestrians from standing in roadways to solicit business, hitch a ride, or advertise. Recently, Florida also passed legislation to ban pedestrians from willfully obstructing the free and convenient use of Florida roads while engaging in protests.
Share the Road: Bicyclist Laws
Florida’s bicyclist laws state that cyclists should use bike lanes and trails if not traveling at the same speed as traffic. If a bike lane is not available, cyclists should stay on the right-most side of the road, allowing traffic to flow around them. Bicyclists are not allowed to ride more than two abreast in a Florida roadway unless they are on a path or lane specifically designed for bicyclists. They must also not impede traffic when riding side by side. In these cases, bicyclists should ride single file to allow traffic to pass. Drivers must give bicyclists at least three feet of space when traveling behind or passing. Bicyclists and passengers under the age of 16 (including children in bike carriers or trailers) are required to wear helmets. When traveling between dusk and dawn, bicyclists are required to have a white light visible from 500 feet in front and a red reflector visible from at least 600 feet behind the bike.
Tips for Sharing the Road
Here are some tips for safely sharing the road with pedestrians, drivers, and bicyclists:
Right of Way
One common question from bicyclists, drivers, and pedestrians when investigating an accident is who had the right of way. Who has the right of way depends on the particular intersection and the vulnerable road users using it. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in parking lots and designated crosswalks (even if there is no traffic signal or stop sign), as well as roundabouts. Cars have the right of way on roadways when obeying traffic signals and stop signs. Cars also have the right of way when there isn’t a crosswalk. Bicyclists, on the other hand, should yield the right of way as if they were a pedestrian when they are on sidewalks or crosswalks. If both a bicyclist and a pedestrian are utilizing a crosswalk, the bicyclist must yield to the pedestrian.
Visibility
One of the most important ways to prevent pedestrian accidents is to increase visibility when sharing the road. Wear reflective and brightly colored clothing (especially at night), and carry a flashlight if possible. Don’t attempt to cross the street between two parked cars on a roadway, as the vehicles will block a driver’s view and prevent them from seeing you. Also, only cross at designated crosswalks, which are open and allow all drivers on the road to see you.
Passing and Crossing
Drivers must give bicyclists three feet of space around them. When turning onto a road with a bike lane and a cyclist, drivers should yield to the bicyclist and then turn behind them. In addition, drivers must stop before a valid crosswalk in an intersection, allowing the pedestrian to fully cross the street on their side before moving forward.
King Law Firm: Pedestrian Accident Attorney in Central Florida
Following Florida’s share the road laws can help prevent and decrease the number of accidents and make Florida safer. However, if you’ve been injured in a pedestrian or bicycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Call our team at The King Law Firm at 352-269-1814 for a free consultation to discuss your case. We’re proud to serve residents of Ocala, The Villages, and surrounding areas.
