Road Laws: Riding Your Bike Around Town
Many people, locals, and tourists alike enjoy getting around the small community of Key West by bicycle. It’s a fun way to reach destinations in the area, it’s good exercise, and it is often easier than taking a car. Key West is a bike-friendly town, but you still need to be sure that you’re paying attention to and following the various road laws for biking in Key West. If you’re a tourist looking for bicycle rentals in Key West, be sure that you pay attention to all of the following.
On the Road
If you’re not traveling at the same speed as the other traffic on the road, you’re required to right in a bike lane or as close to the right side of the road as possible. You can leave that rightmost position on the road when you’re making a left turn, passing, or when you are avoiding hazards. You can also move away from the right side of the road if the lane is too narrow for the bike and a car to share.
Lights at Night
If you’ll be heading out on your bike between sunset and sunrise, it needs to have a lamp on the front that provides a white light that’s visible 500 feet to the front. You also need a red reflector and a lamp on the rear that shows a red light that’s visible 600 feet from the rear.
The lights help to keep you and your bike able to be seen and safe when you’re riding after dark. Some locals add extra lights to their bikes to ensure they’re seen. When you choose a bicycle rental in Key West, you’ll find that they come with lights already equipped. Be sure that you are using them when the sun goes down, so you don’t get fined or in an accident.
Riding on the Sidewalks
In most places in Key West, you can ride on the sidewalk if needed. However, you can never ride on the sidewalks on Duval Street. Keep this in mind as you’re riding, and make sure you know when you get to Duval Street, so you don’t make a mistake.
When you are on the sidewalk, you have the same rights and duties as other pedestrians. Be careful when you’re riding. Keep your speed under control and don’t run into anyone. When you’re on a sidewalk or in a crosswalk, you need to yield the right of way to pedestrians. Additionally, you need to give an audible signal before you pass them.
Have Fun on the Road
Bicycle rentals in Key West are a wonderful way for anyone to get around the town and have a great time exploring the area. Find a wonderful bike that works well for your needs whether It’s a single or a tandem bike and be sure that you’re paying attention to the rules of the road. Key West tends to be a safe place to ride, but you’ll also want to ride defensively and pay attention to what’s going on around you— including pedestrians, vehicles, and other bikes.
When it comes to Key West bike rentals, Island Safari Rentals is the place to go for the best selection and deals of island bikes in Key West. We even offer Jamis tandem bikes and all things bicycle rentals. Check us out today.