[Bike Rentals] Rules and Road Laws to Follow (Guide)
People who come to Key West, FL often choose bike rentals as their main means of getting around the area. Bikes are a fun and healthy way to enjoy everything there is to see and do. However, you still need to be sure that you know and follow the rules of the road while on the bike. Below, you will learn more about the road laws that you have to abide by when riding.
Obey the Traffic Laws
Even though you are on a bike, you have to follow all of the traffic laws that motorized vehicles would have to follow. This means that you need to stop at stop signs and lights. You need to be careful of pedestrians, and you need to have lights if you will be riding after dark. When you are looking for bicycle rentals in Key West, FL, always make sure that the rental company provides you with front and rear lights, and remember to turn them on after the sun goes down.
While you will typically be riding on the sides of the road when you are on your bike, you are allowed to ride on the sidewalks in most areas. The one exception to this rule is the sidewalk on Duval Street. You are not allowed to ride on the sidewalk.
Bikes are not allowed to carry more people than the number for which the bike was built. This simply means that if you have a bike with one seat, only one person can ride on that bike. You can’t let anyone sit on the handlebars, for example. If you have a tandem bike rental, you could have two people on the bike and no others.
At least one hand is required to be on the handlebars while riding. The bikes are all required to have brakes that will allow the rider to stop within 25 feet from a speed of 10 mph on clean, level, dry pavement. When you choose a quality rental company in Key West, FL for your bikes, you shouldn’t have to worry about good brakes.
When on a bike, you aren’t allowed to wear a headset or other listening device except for a hearing aid. You are also required to signal your intent to make a turn when riding. If you need both hands for control, the signal doesn’t need to be used continuously.
Parents and guardians are responsible for the actions of their children. They cannot knowingly let a minor violate any of the rules of the road.
Talk with the Rental Company
You must follow the laws, so you don’t get in trouble and ruin the memories of your vacation. You should also make it a point to speak with the professionals at the rental company when you are picking up your rental bicycles. Ask them if there is anything else about riding on the streets that you should keep in mind to ensure you aren’t breaking the law. They can remind you of the above information and provide any other insight that they might have. Come to Island Safari Rentals for the best selection of Key West bike rentals. We offer different types of bicycle rentals and even tandem bike rentals. Stop by today to see why Island Safari Rentals is the premier Key West bike rental destination.