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Florida, Georgia, Washington & Puerto Rico Injury Lawyers / Blog / Bicycle Accidents / Sharing the Road: What Florida Cyclists Need to Know About Their Legal Rights

Sharing the Road: What Florida Cyclists Need to Know About Their Legal Rights

_Bicyclist

Cycling has become a way of life across Florida, from morning commutes in downtown Tampa to weekend rides along the coast. With more cyclists on the road comes a harder question: what happens when a driver fails to see you, cuts you off, or passes too close? Knowing your rights before an accident happens can make all the difference afterward.

Bicycles Are Treated Like Vehicles Under Florida Law

Many drivers assume cyclists have fewer rights on the road, but that is not how Florida law sees it. Under Florida Statute 316.2065, a person riding a bicycle has all of the same rights and duties as the driver of any other vehicle. That means cyclists are entitled to a share of the road, and drivers are expected to respect that space just as they would with any other vehicle in the lane.

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents

Bicycle accidents rarely happen because the cyclist did something wrong. Distracted driving, failure to yield at intersections, opened car doors in a cyclist’s path, and drivers passing too closely are among the most frequent causes of serious injury. Poor visibility at dawn or dusk and inadequate bike lane infrastructure also contribute to the risk. Because cyclists have so little protection compared to someone inside a vehicle, even a relatively minor collision can result in broken bones, road rash, or a traumatic brain injury.

What to Do Immediately After a Bicycle Accident

The choices you make right after a crash can shape the outcome of any claim that follows. If you are able, take the following steps:

  • Call law enforcement and request an official accident report
  • Photograph the scene, your bicycle, and any visible injuries
  • Collect contact information from witnesses and the driver
  • Seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor at first
  • Avoid giving a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster before speaking with an attorney

Adrenaline can mask the severity of an injury in the moments after a crash, so a prompt medical evaluation matters even when you feel able to walk away.

Let Us Help You Get Back on Your Feet

A serious bicycle accident can leave you facing medical bills, missed work, and an uncertain recovery, all because someone else was not paying attention. Our Tampa bicycle accident lawyers know how insurance companies try to shift blame onto cyclists, and we know how to push back with the facts. The Pendas Law Firm represents injured cyclists throughout Orlando, West Palm Beach, Ocala, Tampa, Bradenton, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Jacksonville, Fort Myers, and Daytona Beach. Contact us today for a free consultation so we can start protecting your rights.

Source:

flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2024/316.2065

By The Pendas Law Firm | Posted on September 14, 2026