Cones: Grate idea for bikes on bridge

Cyclists have the same rights and rules as cars on GIBA

Last Thursday, Aug. 15 during the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority’s quarterly meeting, the board discussed bike safety along the causeway.

A biker had contacted GIBA about the orange cones which are currently positioned over several grates along the shoulder of the causeway, mistaking their presence for some sort of construction. These cones are there to alert bikers to the grates which can be dangerous to ride over; however, per Florida Statute 316.2065 (Share the road), bikers are required to ride on the main roadway, as the causeway shoulder does not meet the qualifications for a designated bike lane.

After a lengthy discussion, the board decided to install Florida Department of Transportation approved road signs at each bridge approach to remind all causeway travelers that cyclists should be on the roadway. The signs were not yet posted at the time of publication.

According to Florida law, a bicycle is legally recognized as a vehicle, and therefore has the same rights and responsibilities on roadways as other vehicles. More specifically, bikers are required to stop at stop signs and red lights and abide by the same traffic laws as cars.

The speed limit on the causeway and bridges is 35 mph. According to section 5(a) of the statute, a person operating a bicycle upon a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic must ride in the bicycle lane, or if there is no bicycle lane on the roadway, as is the case on the causeway and bridges, cyclists must ride as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.

Motorists should also use caution when traveling near a bike. Florida law requires a minimum of three feet when passing a bicyclist. 

At last Thursday’s meeting, GIBA reported an average of 4,000 bikes per year cross over the bridges. Cyclists pay a $3 toll as opposed to cars’ $6.

At the board meeting the question was raised about E-bikes as they continue to grow in popularity. If the vehicle has pedals, and the user is propelling it themselves, it is considered a bike and the toll will be $3, GIBA Executive Director Kathy Banson clarified.