Howard Coker | May 5, 2026 | State Law
Many people assume that bicycles only belong on the road and can’t be ridden elsewhere. In Florida, however, that’s not quite the case. State law actually permits bicyclists to ride on most sidewalks, though the rules for doing so aren’t always obvious to the average rider.
Given the severity of injuries that can result from a bicycle accident, it’s worth protecting your rights and learning what the law requires before getting on the sidewalk in the first place. Continue reading this blog post for the information you need to know.
Florida’s Sidewalk Bicycle Law
Florida Statutes § 316.2065 is the main law that governs bicycle riding throughout the state. Under this statute, a person riding a bicycle on a sidewalk has the same rights and duties as a pedestrian. Specifically, the law requires the following:
- Yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian on the sidewalk
- Give an audible signal before passing a pedestrian
- Obey all applicable traffic controls and signals when crossing roadways
- Use only a fixed, regular seat while riding
The audible signal can be something as simple as saying “on your left.” The idea is simply to make pedestrians aware of the cyclist’s presence before passing.
Local Ordinances Can Override State Law
Although state law generally allows sidewalk riding, local governments may restrict it within their jurisdictions. Many Florida cities do exactly that, particularly in busy downtown areas and near heavy pedestrian zones.
For example, Orlando prohibits sidewalk bicycle riding wherever a sign prohibits it. Miami also bans sidewalk riding on specific stretches of Southwest 8th Street. It’s a good idea to check your city’s local ordinances to avoid a ticket and stay up to date on the law.
Liability in Sidewalk Bicycle Accidents
When a bicyclist and a pedestrian collide on a sidewalk, the cyclist is often the one found at fault because of the duty to yield. However, fault isn’t always clear-cut. There are situations in which a pedestrian may share at least some of the blame, such as when they purposely veer into the bike lane to cause the crash.
There are also circumstances in which another party may share liability. For example, if the accident took place because the sidewalk was poorly maintained, a government entity or property owner may be at fault.
Note as well that Florida is a “no-fault” state for car insurance. Depending on the available insurance coverage, Florida PIP benefits may apply if you were injured while riding a bicycle in a collision involving a motor vehicle, regardless of fault.
What Damages Are Available in a Bicycle Accident Case?
If you were injured in a sidewalk bicycle accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages in a claim against the at-fault party.
These include things like:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you calculate the full value of your claim and make sure nothing is left out of the equation.
Contact Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers to Set Up a Free Consultation With a Jacksonville Bicycle Accident Lawyer
Sidewalk bicycle riding in Florida is legal in most areas, but both cyclists and drivers have specific responsibilities under the law. A single mistake can lead to an accident that leaves someone seriously injured, and fault isn’t always simple to determine.
If you were recently injured in a bicycle accident, set up a free consultation with a Jacksonville bicycle accident attorney at Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers. At that time, you can receive some initial guidance on how best to proceed.
We serve Duval County and its surrounding areas.
Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers
136 E Bay St #5438
Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 356-6071
Find us with our Geo Coordinates: 30.32569719086265, -81.65515220132858
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Attorney Howard Coker is the founder of Coker Law Personal Injury Lawyers. A graduate of the University of Florida College of Law, he has dedicated his career to representing individuals in serious personal injury cases. With more than four decades of courtroom experience and over 350 jury trials, Howard is recognized as one of Florida’s top trial attorneys. His commitment to justice ensures every client receives the strong, personalized representation they deserve. Check our recent case results.
Location: Jacksonville, FL