The Alachua County Public Works Department would like to remind all residents of the importance of sharing the roadway so that all road users can arrive at their locations safely.
Tips for Motorists
- Drivers must give bicyclists a minimum of three feet of clearance when driving alongside or passing them. It’s the law.
- Before turning right on red, always stop and look in both directions.
- When turning, yield to any bicyclist in the bike lane and make your turn behind the cyclist.
- Avoid using high beam headlights when you see a bicyclist approaching.
- Before opening a car door, check for bicyclists who may be approaching from behind.
- Phone Down. Eyes Up. Buckle Up.
Motorists, bicyclists, and motorcyclists all have the right to be on the road and travel safely. All motorists should use extra caution when driving around bicyclists, motorcyclists and commercial motor vehicles.
Bicycle Safety Awareness
In Florida, the bicycle is legally defined as a vehicle and has all the privileges, rights and responsibilities on public roads (except for expressways) that a motor vehicle operator does.
Bicyclists may ride out of the bike lane in the travel lane for their own safety on narrow roads to avoid obstacles or pavement hazards, or to prepare for a left turn. A bicyclist may use the full lane even while traveling substantially below the speed of traffic if the lane is too narrow for both a car and a bicycle to share.
Learn more about laws and safety rules for bicyclists.
For more information, contact Alachua County Public Works Senior Engineer Technician Clark Collins at 352-548-1271 or cccollins@alachuacounty.us.
