There are very specific Florida statutes regarding pedestrian laws and guidelines to influence the safety of both pedestrian and driver. Let's brush up on a few of the most important ones.
1. Crossing the Road
One thing you might not have known is that crossing the street outside of a designated crosswalk isn't always considered "jaywalking." If the nearest intersection is without traffic signals, you can cross the road mid-block. Just be sure to use extreme caution and yield to approaching vehicles.
If you are crossing the road outside of a crosswalk, Florida law states that you have to cross at a right angle to the curb, or, "by the shortest route to the opposite curb." This means straight across, not diagonally.
If the nearest intersection does have operating traffic signals, you have to use the marked crosswalk.
If you are crossing the road outside of a crosswalk, Florida law states that you have to cross at a right angle to the curb, or, "by the shortest route to the opposite curb." This means straight across, not diagonally.
If the nearest intersection does have operating traffic signals, you have to use the marked crosswalk.
2. Using a Sidewalk
If there's a sidewalk, you have to use it unless something is blocking the path. If there is no sidewalk, a pedestrian should walk on the left side of the shoulder facing traffic. A driver and a pedestrian who are facing each other are usually more aware of each other. The risk of an accident is reduced.
This rule does NOT apply to cyclists. A cyclist should still move with traffic on the right side of the road.
This rule does NOT apply to cyclists. A cyclist should still move with traffic on the right side of the road.
3. Bicycles on Sidewalks
Yes, it is legal to ride a bicycle on a sidewalk in Florida. While it may be better for both pedestrians and cyclists if the cyclist uses a designated bicycle lane, riding on the sidewalk isn't against any rule.
Florida Statute 316.2065 states that a person "propelling a vehicle by human power upon and along a sidewalk, or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk, has all the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian under the same circumstances."
Florida Statute 316.2065 states that a person "propelling a vehicle by human power upon and along a sidewalk, or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk, has all the rights and duties applicable to a pedestrian under the same circumstances."
If you were in a pedestrian-related car accident, whether you were the pedestrian or the driver, call Wilkes & Mee. Our Jacksonville car accident lawyers will thoroughly investigate the accident and create a strategy to get you full compensation.