Cyclists participating in Orlando Bike to Work Day 2019.
Is it legal to ride your bike on the sidewalk? Is it safer to ride on the street or on the sidewalk? Does a pedestrian or a bicycle have the right of way on a sidewalk?
These are just a few of the questions Bike/Walk Central Florida often gets about sidewalk cycling. If you’ve ever been curious about these things – you’re not alone.
One important thing to know: Orlando law has recently changed to allow bicyclists to ride on sidewalks. The new ordinance states that “It is hereby made unlawful and a violation of this section to ride a bicycle on a sidewalk or bicycle path, or any portion thereof, where prohibited by clearly visible signs or markings, except that this section does not apply to government officials operating a bicycle within the scope of their lawful authority and for a public purpose.”
More simply, you can now ride your bike on the sidewalk unless there’s a sign saying otherwise. That big change has even MORE people asking—what are the laws for riding on the sidewalk versus in the street?
Bike/Walk Central Florida has created a quick tip sheet to help educate riders about laws and safety surrounding sidewalk cycling. Or, if you’re looking to ride more confidently on the road, the tip sheet has resources for you too. Download your own copy here.
