City of Melbourne, FL
Home MenuBicyclist Safety
Bicyclists must always ride with traffic, use proper hand signals and obey all safety and road signs. Here are some other important tips for biking safely:
- Obey all traffic signs and signals.
- Do not wear a headset, headphone, or other listening device other than a hearing aid when riding.
- Do not text or look at your phone while riding.
- A bicycle rider or passenger who is under 16 years of age must wear a bicycle helmet.
- Be visible at night with white front lights and red rear lights and reflectors.
Riding on Sidewalks or in Crosswalks
- If riding on sidewalks or in crosswalks yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing.
Riding on the Roadway
- If riding on the roadway, ride in the same direction as traffic and as close as possible to the right-hand curb or edge of the road. You may leave the right edge when passing, making a left turn, to avoid road hazards, or when a lane is too narrow for a bicycle and a car to share safely.
- Ride with caution. Stay clear of parked cars and the door zone.
Turn Signals
- Give hand signals to indicate when you are going to turn:
- Turn Right: Extend the left hand and arm upward or extend the right hand and arm horizontally to the right side of the bicycle.
- Turn Left: Extend left hand and arm horizontally to the left-hand side of the bicycle.
- Give hand signals no less than 100 feet before making the turn.