Skip to main content
Clear icon
70º

Ask Trooper Steve: Can a bicyclist pick, choose which traffic laws they follow?

Trooper Steve answers viewer questions

ORLANDO, Fla. – News 6 traffic safety expert Trooper Steve Montiero answers viewer questions about the rules of the road every week, helping Central Florida residents become better drivers by being better educated.

Trooper Steve was asked on Tuesday, “Can a bicyclist pick and choose which traffic laws they follow? Like ped or vehicle laws?”

He said in many cases, bicyclists have options to either have their own designated bicycle lane or use a regular travel lane, if permitted.

“When a bicyclist chooses to do this, they must understand they cannot pick and choose which traffic laws they are going to follow. When in the roadway, whether a bicycle lane or a travel lane, a rider must follow all vehicular traffic rules unless otherwise posted,” Trooper Steve said.

[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]

But what if there’s a stop sign or traffic signal?

“My answer would remain the exact same. A bicyclist would be required to stop at a stop sign and yield right of way to other bicycle or vehicular traffic. The exact same thing would be required at a traffic light,” he said. “In the video, the rider was utilizing the right travel lane and then violated the stop bar and the solid red to continue into a crosswalk through the intersection. This would be improper and multiple violations.”

He said the rules are in place so vehicles and bicyclists on the road can do so safely and without incident.

If you have a traffic question for Trooper Steve, email him at asktroopersteve@wkmg.com.


Get today’s headlines in minutes with Your Florida Daily:


About the Authors
Steve Montiero headshot

Steven Montiero, better known as “Trooper Steve," joined the News 6 morning team as its Traffic Safety Expert in October 2017. A Central Florida native and decorated combat veteran, Montiero comes to the station following an eight-year assignment with the Florida Highway Patrol.

Brenda Argueta headshot

Brenda Argueta is a digital journalist who joined ClickOrlando.com in March 2021. She is the author of the Central Florida Happenings newsletter that goes out every Thursday.

Loading...

Recommended Videos