Curious foundation

This is two minutes leading up to being stopped by a law enforcement officer for operating my bicycle in the traffic lane. During the stop, we discussed the finer points of the FL statutes that allow for a bicycle to occupy the lane when the lane is of sub-standard width. He brought out his big book of FL Statutes and I helped him find the applicable entry. It's in black and white in the big book, so he changed his reference point.

He called his supervisor and asked if traveling 17 mph (headwind) on a 45 mph was considered impeding traffic. He did not reference the vehicles being impeded. Note in the video that there were NO vehicles impeded.

He also found the appropriate statute for impeding traffic. First he confirmed that a bicycle is a vehicle under FL law and I agreed. He then read to me the statute: 316.183

(5) No person shall drive a motor vehicle at such a slow speed as to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic, except when reduced speed is necessary for safe operation or in compliance with law.

The interesting part of this particular statute is that it specifically excludes bicycles by using the term "motor vehicle".

We had a mostly cordial discussion and he told me to drive safely and I departed. There was a lot of interaction involving his lack of understanding of the laws regarding safe passing of bicycles: 316.083

The driver of a vehicle overtaking a bicycle or other nonmotorized vehicle must pass the bicycle or other nonmotorized vehicle at a safe distance of not less than 3 feet between the vehicle and the bicycle or other nonmotorized vehicle.

I was not aware of the level of traffic behind me until I saw this video. Three vehicles, maybe four, in lanes other than the one I'm in, over a two minute period at 8 o'clock in the morning.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• police
• velomobile
• traffic
• stop
• enforcement

[KrunchyJD]

Why is it that some motorists believe that for some reson they should not have to change lanes for a bicycle even if there are free lanes available?

[freddotu]

@KrunchyJD, unfortunately, some drivers also appear to have the intent to pass as closely as possible when overtaking. Some dysfunctional motorcyclists with loud un-muffled motors appear to enjoy a similar activity. It would be appropriate to have to make an avoidance move when one of these two-wheeled operators performs such an idiotic overtake.

[Neonspinnazz30]

Law enforcemant learns the law!

Is your velomobile your daily "driver"?

[freddotu]

It is my daily driver and preferred transport.

[freddotu]

it is a common misconception that operators of bicycles should remain far to the right. The opposite is true when it comes to safety. Since I have been operating in a vehicular manner, I have enjoyed greatly improved safety.

I am not in harms way, quite the opposite. It matters not if people are aware of the law, but the other motorists see me sooner, make appropriate passing and my riding is safer.

[KrunchyJD]

@Varahkhei Cyclists will demonstratethat this is safer, safety, is more important then motorist convenience.

[CyclingMikey]

You might want to recognise that riding on the right hand edge is actually how to put yourself in harm's way. Riding where Fred rides is less risky.

[CyclingMikey]

That's edumacation Fred!!

[Varahkhei]

Whilst I agree you are within your legal rights, two things come to mind. 1) so few people know of this, they will sooner run you over than sit down and discuss it with you. 2) Whilst there is no denying you are actually obeying the law, you seem to take pride in using an obscure article to justify putting yourself in harms way.

[tmpttt1]

nice! make them teach the rules! :)