Do bicyclists have to ride with the flow of traffic?

Trooper Steve answers viewer questions

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

Trooper Steve on Tuesday was asked by viewer Joyce S., “Please let people know that bike lanes have arrows for a reason. Oh, and are you not supposed to go with the flow of traffic?”

Trooper Steve said a bicyclist should always be riding with the flow of traffic.

“Riding against traffic is extremely dangerous and how the laws have been written when operating your bicycle on the roadway, you are basically treated as a vehicle,” he said.

And he also said a bicyclist should always follow the rules of the road either in a bike lane or normal travel lane.

“Meaning, if there is a stop sign, a bicyclist must obey the stop sign. If there is a traffic light, then a bicyclist should follow the instructions of a traffic light,” he said. “ Teamwork between bicyclist and motor vehicles are key in order for no one to get hurt. Too often we are picking and choosing what rules we want to follow. It pays to mention that if you are operating a bicycle on the roadway and a bicycle lane is present, you should be in that bicycle lane.”

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About the Authors

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 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.

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