Summer time often means an unfortunate increase in bicycle related. Often times many bicyclists are unaware of the legal requirements that are in affect when enjoying a casual bike ride. OurTampa Bicycle Injury Attorneys have represented numerous past cases involving bicyclists who have been unexpectedly and unfortunately injured by the negligence of others.
Hopefully, this blog will contain a few of the more important legal requirements that will aid in preventing or at least limiting injuries when biking:
-Whether you riding on a public road or on a bike path, Florida law requires bicycle riders and passengers who are under 16 years of age to wear a bicycle helmet that is properly fitted and fastened securely upon the head by a strap and that meets the standards of the American National Standards Institute or the standards of the Snell Memorial Foundation.
-This law also applies to a child who is riding in a trailer or semi-trailer attached to a bicycle.
-A bicycle cannot be used to carry more people than it is designed or equipped to carry.
-Bicycle riders carrying a passenger under 4 years of age, weighing 40 pounds or less, must secure the child in a seat or carrier that is designed to carry a child of that age and size and protect them from the moving parts of the bicycle.
-An adult rider can carry a child that is secured in a backpack or sling.
-Bicycle riders cannot allow a passenger to remain in a child seat or carrier when the rider is not in immediate control of the bicycle.
-A person cannot rent or lease any bicycle that will be ridden by a child under 16 years of age unless the child possesses a bicycle helmet or is provided a helmet by the person renting or leasing the bicycle.
Our attorneys have litigated numerous cases involving bicycle accident victims who have been injured through the negligence of motorists in Hernando, Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Manatee, Polk and Orange County. If you or a loved one have been injured while riding a bicycle as the direct result of negligence of another motorist, please contact us, your Tampa Personal Injury Attorneys.