Florida Bicycle Accident Rights

Bicycle and E-Scooter Accidents in Florida

As micromobility options like e-bikes and electric scooters expand across Florida cities, accidents involving motor vehicles have surged. Bicyclists and riders face severe risks due to a lack of physical protection during a crash.

Cyclist Rights Under Florida Traffic Law

Under Florida Statute § 316.2065, bicycles are legally defined as vehicles. Cyclists have the exact same rights and responsibilities on public roadways as motor vehicle drivers:

• Three-Foot Passing Rule: Motorists must maintain a clearance of at least three feet when passing a bicyclist (Fla. Stat. § 316.083).
• Right-of-Way in Bike Lanes: Drivers turning across bike lanes must yield to oncoming cyclists.
• Door Zone Accidents: Drivers are legally prohibited from opening vehicle doors into moving traffic without checking for passing cyclists.

Insurance Coverage for Injured Cyclists

If a negligent driver strikes a bicyclist, the injured rider can often utilize their own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Uninsured Motorist (UM) auto policy, even though they were riding a bicycle at the time of impact.

The lawsuit filing deadline for bicycle accidents in Florida is two years under Fla. Stat. § 95.11.