Living in Florida allows you to enjoy the beautiful weather and scenery the Sunshine State is known for. One of the best ways to get out and do this is on your bicycle.
While this is true, it is important to know the laws to ensure you stay safe. However, it is not just you that needs to know and follow the bicycle safety rules – your kids do as well.
These laws were established to help keep everyone safe. Here you can learn more about Florida’s bicycle safety laws and how you and your family can remain safe.
Florida Statutes Related to Child Bicycle Safety
Several statutes specifically apply to children who ride bicycles in Florida. These are found here.
- Florida Statute 316.2065(3)(a): According to this Statute, adult riders are legally allowed to carry a child in a sling or backpack secured to their body while riding a bike.
- Florida Statute 316.2065(3)(b): According to this Statute, when a bicycle rider has a passenger under the age of four or that weighs 40 pounds or less, they must be in a carrier or seat designed for a child and that provides protection from the bike’s moving parts.
- Florida Statute 316.2065(3)(c): This Statute states that bicycle riders are not permitted to leave a child in the specialty seat if the rider is not in control of the bike.
- Florida Statute 316.2065(3)(d): All bicyclists who are 16 years old or younger bicyclists must wear a helmet that meets the standards based on Florida law. There are no exceptions to this law.
- Florida Statute 316.2065(4): No person who rides a bicycle can attach themselves to any other vehicle on the road.
- Florida Statute 316.2065(8): No parent can allow their child to violate the provisions of this Statute.
- Florida Statute 316.2065(15)(a): It is not permitted for anyone to lease or rent a bicycle to be ridden by a child who is 16 years of age or younger unless the child has a helmet or if the person provides them with a helmet.
Helmet Requirements in the State of Florida
As mentioned above, the helmets worn in Florida while riding a bike must meet certain standards. When you purchase a helmet, look for one with a CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) sticker. This means that the helmet has been tested and meets federal safety regulations. All helmets need to fit the rider’s head properly.
Rights of a Child Involved in a Florida Bicycle Accident
If a child is involved in an accident or struck by a vehicle while riding a bicycle in Florida, they may experience serious injuries. In many situations, accidents like these are fatal.
A bicycle carrying a child is smaller and weighs much less than a motor vehicle, and when the size and speed of the vehicle are considered, it is clear that the outcome of an accident can be devastating.
The state of Florida follows a comparative fault law. This means that for each accident, the parties involved can be assigned percentages of fault that are distributed based on their level of fault for the incident. In Florida, children under a specific age are not held comparatively at fault (according to the law).
Any child who is under six will not be comparatively at fault for an accident. While this is true, the parent or supervisor of the child may be held partly at fault if the child was not properly supervised.
Common Injuries Seen in Florida Bicycle Accidents
Bicycle accidents can cause severe injuries to the victim. Even if a rider is wearing a helmet, there is no protection for the body when an accident occurs. While each accident is unique and so are the injuries, some of the most common that are seen can be found here:
- Internal bleeding or organ damage
- Spinal cord trauma (may lead to paralysis)
- Road rash
- Severe lacerations
- Dislocated or broken bones
- Traumatic brain injuries
These injuries have the potential to require extensive medical treatment for the victim. In this situation, it is recommended that you hire a bicycle accident lawyer to help you file a claim against the at-fault party and recover compensation.
Bicycle Safety Tips for Kids
While accidents can happen at any time, there are some tips you can use to help your child stay safe while riding a bike. These tips include the following:
- Always supervise your child while they are riding. Ride with them and encourage them to stay together.
- Wear bright clothing and use lights if riding at night or early in the morning. Install reflectors on the bike to ensure they can be seen.
- Teach your children the hand signals and always follow the rules of the road. Encourage your children to ride in a straight line and never swerve in between vehicles.
- Wear a helmet that fits properly. This will help prevent head injuries and death.
- Stay on the sidewalk when possible. If this is not possible, ride in the same direction that traffic is traveling and stay as far to the right as you can.
Contact Our Legal Team for Help with a Bicycle Accident
Contact our bicycle accident lawyer if you or your child is involved in a bicycle accident. We can review the facts of your case to determine liability and help you pursue a claim. We will help you get justice and compensation for the injuries and losses that you have sustained.
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