Goal: Keep Bicyclists Alive While Reducing Strain, Stress On Motorists.
BY: STAFF REPORT | BocaNewsNow.com
BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2021 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — It is a frequent occurrence in Palm Beach County. You’re driving on Lyons Road. Or Yamato. Or West Palmetto Park. And suddenly a hoard of bicyclists moves into the road as if the spandex-clad weekend athletes own it.
Those days are over.
Florid Senate Bill 950 is now in effect, and it’s being hailed by Palm Beach County Vice Mayor Robert Weinroth.
“As vice chairman of the Palm Beach Transportation Planning Agency (TPA), our county has committed to “Vision Zero,” which strives to reduce the fatalities on our roadways, and these new laws are a step in the right direction,” said Weinroth.
The goal: keep bicyclists alive. But at the same time, make driving a little easier for motorists who aren’t expecting middle-aged bicyclist gang to surround their car.
Effective now, the following rules, regulations and requirements are in effect for bicyclists in Florida. Law enforcement can ticket those who violate. While motorists must continue to be responsible for driving safely and not creating a hazardous condition for bicyclists, there is now a burden on the bicyclists to obey traffic rules.
Motorists are allowed to safely pass cyclists in no passing zones.
Bicyclists must ride single file in narrow bike lanes and two abreast in wider lanes.
Cyclists are required to stop at stop signs.
Motor vehicles must allow one group of 10 cyclists to travel through an intersection.
Additional test questions related to bicycle and pedestrian safety will be on driver’s test.
The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles will be required to provide a public awareness campaign informing motorists about the required safety precautions.
