Deputies: Cyclists, Drivers Have Right To Road
WINTER PARK, Fla. -- Bicycles are popping up on Central Florida Roadways like never before.
But when bikes, cars and trucks mix, safety becomes a major issue.
Seminole County sheriffs said in some cases, large groups of cyclists are clogging roads, not keeping up with traffic.
They wanted the illegal behavior stopped.
Avid bikers said they often struggle blending safely with traffic, and a video from deputies encouraging cyclist and drivers safety seemed to make the rude treatment they already get on the road worse the past few days.
"They see a cyclist and they target them in many cases," cyclist Keri Caffrey said.
Bicyclists sat down with law enforcement in an effort to find a middle ground.
"It's not their right to assault a cyclist or to run a cyclist off the road because they get impatient," Lt. Pete Kelting said.
Each side left feeling they had a better understanding, and deputies want everyone in cars and trucks to be very aware that cyclists have rights.
"When conditions call for it, cyclists have the right to command the entire lane and motorists need to understand that," Kelting said.
"They can't overtake when it's not safe, and if there's oncoming traffic they can't just squeeze through," Caffrey said.
Both cyclists and motorists have legal right to the road, and if people break the laws, officers will be handing out tickets if necessary to make sure everyone is safe.