"A bicyclist who is not traveling at the same speed of other traffic must ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway."

 

"Persons riding bicycles upon a roadway shall not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles. Persons riding two abreast shall not impede traffic when traveling at less than the normal speed of traffic at the time and place and under the conditions existing, and shall ride within a single lane. (see Impeding Traffic Explained)"

 

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"The only place "impeding traffic" appears in the bicycle law, is with regard to riding 2 abreast. However, cyclists should pull over — at their discretion and only when it is safe to do so — if a significant line of traffic accumulates behind them.

 

The 2-abreast rule only applies to roads on which a single rider can operate side-by-side with a motor vehicle (i.e. a lane 14 ft or wider, or a road with a bike lane). A single cyclist (or single line of cyclists) is entitled to the full use of a lane less than 14 ft wide, therefore it makes no difference in the flow of traffic for riders to be 2-abreast. In many cases it actually facilitates overtaking by reducing in half the distance needed to pass.

Additionally, 2-abreast riders do not impede traffic if: (the below applies to any width lane with or without the presence of a bike lane)

"Impeding traffic" is not defined in the law, but reducing a motorist's speed for a few seconds until it is safe to pass does not constitute an impediment or an obstruction."

 

"There is only one road and it is up to bicyclists and motorists to treat each other with care and respect. Strict adherence to the law is the foundation for this respect."

 

from: http://www.floridabicycle.org/rules/bikelaw.html

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Make of it what you will...yet depending on the traffic conditions at the time...if the traffic was heavy at that corner...the insane truck driver may have a legal point.  But, "communicating" the way he did was both stoopid and wrong. further as he came into Gainesville on MH Road, buzzing a lone cyclist minding their own business when traffic is "sparse" has a screw loose and not in his truck. He does need to meet the officers of GPD.

 

If this is not an updated version of current cycling law in Florida, please feel free to clarify. I'm not trying to make anyone angry...just trying to clarify what is legal and what is common sense (not necessarily the same thing) and what allows for self preservation while road riding to avoid being creamed by a vehicle, accidently or otherwise. Spreading cycling good will to the driving public is an important aspect of being an aware responsible cyclist.

 

As Jayson, mentions...replying to me, please do that off the listserv.

 

that's my two bits...Bob Howland