Riding out of the saddle is illegal here.
09-30-10, 01:19 PM
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Florida Statutes 316.2065(2):
A person operating a bicycle may not ride other than upon or astride a permanent and regular seat attached thereto.
Good thing we don't have hills! I recommend that anybody in a state or muni that has a law like this lobby their government to remove all hills. Problem solved.
A person operating a bicycle may not ride other than upon or astride a permanent and regular seat attached thereto.
Good thing we don't have hills! I recommend that anybody in a state or muni that has a law like this lobby their government to remove all hills. Problem solved.
09-30-10, 01:22 PM
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(1) Reading the law is like the boring version of a treasure hunt - you never know what shocking nuggets you'll find in there.
(2) Most humans are able to get by on common sense, even when using it means they're not 100 % squeaky clean.
The other day someone started a thread about a cyclist who was hit by a motor vehicle, with the title "This is what happens when you run red lights." I think it's a little silly to assume that anybody who ever violates any law is a suicidal, evil, uncommonly stupid person. And I think we ought to remember this in particular when we talk about things like Idaho stops, where a cyclist could break a minor law and go through an empty intersection; it's tenuous to demand that law always be enforced, but this one always be ignored by police.
09-30-10, 01:23 PM
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regrade advocacy.
the intent of these statutes is clear, but not to someone who cannot see the forest thru the trees!
the intent of these statutes is clear, but not to someone who cannot see the forest thru the trees!
09-30-10, 01:24 PM
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09-30-10, 01:30 PM
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09-30-10, 01:33 PM
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I have also carried passengers, side saddle, here in the states (cars give a lot of room while doing that). It is interesting how different the laws are in places where bicycles are viewed as transportation, not toys.
09-30-10, 01:43 PM
#32
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I like to play it safe. I always carry a copy of the “astride the saddle” law along with a definition of the words, just in case a police officer calls me out on it. Don’t laugh, it came in handy once already during scofflaw cyclist crackdown day!
10-01-10, 04:01 AM
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Yeah ... ultimately I'm only trying to make two points.
(1) Reading the law is like the boring version of a treasure hunt - you never know what shocking nuggets you'll find in there.
(2) Most humans are able to get by on common sense, even when using it means they're not 100 % squeaky clean.
(1) Reading the law is like the boring version of a treasure hunt - you never know what shocking nuggets you'll find in there.
(2) Most humans are able to get by on common sense, even when using it means they're not 100 % squeaky clean.
Similar to the legal arguments regarding running a red in the T-intersection thread. You can translate the letter of the law to say it's legal, but I find it very unlikely a judge would agree, regardless of safety issues.
10-01-10, 05:24 AM
#34
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I don't understand. A person standing on the pedals is still astride the saddle. You say as much in your description of astride meaning on either side of. They're not sitting but they're astride.
I assume that this law is meant to stop people riding sidesaddle or doing other such tricks on the roads.
I assume that this law is meant to stop people riding sidesaddle or doing other such tricks on the roads.
10-01-10, 07:47 AM
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True. What the law is aiming at is one saddle, one rider. No matter how cute or convenient, it's illegal to ride your sweetie on your handlebars, on the cargo rack, or on the pegs of your BMX bike.
One issue that is caught here is for BMX racers, or trials riders. Since most BMX races are a stand-on-the-pedals sprint all the way around the course, many racers will leave the saddle off the bike. Likewise, most bikes customized for observed trials don't have a saddle, or even a seatpost. They're okay on the track or event course, but wouldn't be street-legal.
One issue that is caught here is for BMX racers, or trials riders. Since most BMX races are a stand-on-the-pedals sprint all the way around the course, many racers will leave the saddle off the bike. Likewise, most bikes customized for observed trials don't have a saddle, or even a seatpost. They're okay on the track or event course, but wouldn't be street-legal.
10-01-10, 08:04 AM
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
10-01-10, 08:05 AM
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So how many people have been actually cited for this offense in the last decade or so?
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
10-01-10, 04:15 PM
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Maybe the OP was just trying to point out that people who make laws are sometimes oblivious to the realities of the activities governed by those regulations. This example is from the Michigan Vehicle Code. It clearly states one must be on AND astride the saddle...
257.658 Riding on seat of bicycle, motorcycle, or moped; number of persons; crash helmets; rules; requirements for autocycle.(1) A person propelling a bicycle or operating a motorcycle or moped shall not ride other than upon and astride a permanent and regular seat attached to that vehicle.
I can't find it now but I believe I have seen a section that states a bike rider must have BOTH HANDS on the bars at all times except when signalling a turn. That would in effect outlaw drinking from a water bottle while riding or even outlaw changing gears on a bike equipped with downtube or stem mounted shifters. Wait til the guys over in the Classic and Vintage forum hear about that!
257.658 Riding on seat of bicycle, motorcycle, or moped; number of persons; crash helmets; rules; requirements for autocycle.(1) A person propelling a bicycle or operating a motorcycle or moped shall not ride other than upon and astride a permanent and regular seat attached to that vehicle.
I can't find it now but I believe I have seen a section that states a bike rider must have BOTH HANDS on the bars at all times except when signalling a turn. That would in effect outlaw drinking from a water bottle while riding or even outlaw changing gears on a bike equipped with downtube or stem mounted shifters. Wait til the guys over in the Classic and Vintage forum hear about that!
