In light of the recent time change, the University Police Department urges UF students to use bicycle lights for safety.
State laws require that a bicycle used between sunset and sunrise must have a front light visible from 500 feet and a lamp and red reflector on the back visible from 600 feet, said UPD spokesman Maj. Brad Barber.
“Beyond the legal requirement, it is for visibility,” Barber said.
A nonmoving violation costs $104, Sgt. Kristy Maculan said. A moving violation, in which the bicyclist is fined for acts such as running a stop sign or operating in the wrong direction of traffic, costs $154.
UPD swept through campus Monday night, Maculan said. During that time, police issued 52 written warnings for bike light violations. She said police also registered 26 bikes.
Typically, students who commit a bike infraction on campus initially receive a warning, Barber said. Following incidents can become citations.
Cyclists, like drivers, must follow the rules of the road, which include stopping at red lights and stop signs.
“A lot of people don’t recognize that a bicycle is considered a vehicle in the State of Florida,” Barber said.
Kerrie Durham, a linguistics freshman, bought a bike light about a month into this semester. The 18-year-old said she shines a light on herself while riding at night so it is easier for others to see her.
Loren Humphrey, an 18-year-old aerospace engineering freshman, said it is important that drivers and bikers can see each other while on the road.
“You should probably have a couple of bike lights at night,” she said. “And maybe don’t go as fast.”
A cyclist cruises down Southeast Second Street on Wednesday night. Univeristy Police officers can fine students $104 to $154 for failing to have lights while riding between sunset and sunrise.
