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Governor DeSantis signed a proclamation signifying March as Florida Bicycle Month. Naples, Fort Myers, and Punta Gorda are all having events during this special month.

• March 1: Naples Bike Brunch – Naples
• March 8:  Royal Palm Challenge – Fort Myers
• March 14:  Pedal and Play in Paradise – Punta Gorda
• March 28-29:  Pan-Florida Challenge – Naples

“Getting out and enjoying bike riding is often an activity for everyone. However, it is important to ride safely and for other vehicles to be cognizant of the potential of bicyclists sharing the roads,” said Florida Bike Accident Lawyer Randall Spivey of Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. “We would like to provide the following safety tips for motorists from the Florida Bicycle Association.”

Legal Responsibilities for Motor Vehicles Drivers

1. Driver Responsibility to Exercise Care (Section 316.130, F.S.)

Every driver of a vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian or any person propelling a human-powered vehicle and give a warning when necessary and exercise proper precaution upon observing any child or any obviously confused or incapacitated person.

2. Overtaking and Passing a Vehicle (Sections 316.083, 316.085, F.S.)

The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle.

3. The Double Yellow Line (Sections 316.0875(3))

The prohibition of passing in a no-passing zone does not apply when an obstruction exists making it necessary to drive to the left of the center of the highway. Thus, when a cyclist is traveling so slowly as to constitute an “obstruction,” a motorist may cross the center line in a no-passing zone to pass the cyclist if the way is clear to do so, i.e., when it can be seen that any oncoming traffic is far enough ahead that the motorist could finish passing before coming within 200 feet of an oncoming vehicle.

4. Driving Speeds (Sections 316.183, 316.185, F.S.)

No person shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing. In every event, speed shall be controlled as may be necessary to avoid colliding with any person, or vehicle on or entering the highway in compliance with legal requirements and the duty of all persons to use due care. 

5. Opening and Closing Vehicle Doors (Section 316.2005, F.S.)

No person shall open any door on a motor vehicle unless and until it is reasonably safe to do so and can be done without interfering with the movement of other traffic, nor shall any person leave a door open on the side of a vehicle available to moving traffic for a period of time longer than necessary to load or unload passengers.

“If you or a loved one is injured because of the negligence of another, please contact our experienced legal team. We represent people involved in numerous types of personal injury and wrongful death accidents throughout the state of Florida. All of our clients have unique personal injury cases, and we provide personal contact and communication along with aggressive representation. There are no costs or attorney fees until we get a monetary recovery for you,” said Attorney Spivey.

Florida Bike Accident Lawyer Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one percent (1%) of Florida attorneys. He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida. For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A, in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll-free at 1.888.477.4839, or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com. Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information. You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County at 239.793.7748.