A recent incident in Deerfield Beach, where a Broward County Sheriff’s deputy’s unmarked vehicle collided with a teenager on a bicycle before the deputy tackled the teen, has ignited a firestorm of debate. Captured on video, the event unfolded as deputies attempted to disperse a group of cyclists reportedly engaging in hazardous stunts and obstructing traffic. The teenager was transported to the hospital for evaluation and subsequently released with a juvenile citation; fortunately, no major injuries were reported.
This incident is not an isolated one. In recent years, South Florida has seen a surge in large groups of teenagers riding bicycles recklessly on public roads. These groups often ride against traffic, weave unpredictably between vehicles, and perform stunts, causing significant distress among drivers. The allure of recording these dangerous antics for social media has only exacerbated the trend, encouraging ever more perilous behavior.
The situation raises pressing questions: Was the deputy’s response an overreach, or does it signal a broader crackdown on such behaviors? While the deputy is not currently under investigation, the incident underscores the escalating tensions between law enforcement and these groups of cyclists.
A Deadly Reality: Florida’s Bike Fatalities Are No Joke
It’s already dangerous enough without the stunt riding. Florida consistently ranks #1 in the country for bicycle-related deaths. In 2024 alone, there were 190 bicycle fatalities statewide—more than anywhere else in the U.S. That’s out of 9,272 total crashes involving bikes, with 8,781 resulting in injuries. It’s easy to see why the law enforcement might need to rethink how they’re looking at the problem.
Nationwide, the numbers are staggering. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 840 cyclists were killed in 2022, many of them in situations involving distracted driving and inadequate bike infrastructure.
So… What Bicycle Laws Are Being Broken In Florida?
Let’s be clear—bikes are vehicles under Florida law. That means teenage riders out there pulling stunts are subject to a whole list of statutes, especially if they’re obstructing traffic or riding recklessly.
Here’s just a sampling of what may apply:
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- §316.2065 – Florida Bicycle Regulations. This includes riding as far to the right as practicable, obeying traffic control devices, no more than two abreast on the road, and mandatory lighting at night
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- §316.074 – Obedience to Traffic Control Devices. Cyclists have to obey lights and signs just like any driver
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- §316.130(7) – Yielding to pedestrians on sidewalks and intersections.
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- §316.081 – Driving on the right side of the roadway.
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- §316.193 – Operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a criminal offense even on a bicycle. Open container laws apply to cyclists, too.
When Are Helmets Required By Florida Law?
Florida’s helmet law is straightforward but crucial, especially for younger riders. Under Florida Statute §316.2065(3)(d), any person under the age of 16—whether operating a bicycle or riding as a passenger—is required to wear a helmet that meets nationally recognized safety standards. The helmet must be properly fitted and fastened securely. While adults aren’t legally obligated to wear one, safety experts and law enforcement strongly recommend helmets for all ages, given Florida’s high rate of bicycle-related head injuries and fatalities. Not wearing a helmet won’t just increase the risk of serious injury—it can also lead to a citation for the minor, and yes, the parent or guardian can be held responsible. Think of it less like a fashion rule and more like a seatbelt for your skull.
Juvenile Citation vs Adult Citation: What’s the Difference?
In Florida, kids caught in this kind of trouble often get a break. A juvenile civil citation is a way to avoid formally charging a minor with a crime. Instead of entering the system, the teen may be ordered to perform community service, attend traffic safety courses, or receive counseling.
But this isn’t a free pass. Refuse to cooperate or get caught again, and next time it’s handcuffs and a trip to juvenile court. An adult in the same situation? They’d be looking at fines, points on their license, maybe even jail time if injuries are involved.
The Parents’ Responsibility – Prevent Your Kid From Ending Up in Handcuffs
Parents in Florida aren’t just morally accountable for their children’s behavior—they’re legally on the hook, too. Under Florida Statute §316.2065(15), a parent or guardian may be cited if their child violates bicycle traffic laws. That means if a teenager is caught weaving through traffic, riding against the flow, performing stunts in the street, or skipping required safety gear like helmets or lights, the adult responsible for them can face penalties. Depending on the incident, law enforcement could pursue more serious actions, especially if the child’s behavior causes harm to others. Some municipalities even push liability further, treating repeated reckless behavior as a sign of parental neglect. In effect, the law views it like this: if your child is turning public roads into a playground, and you’re not doing anything to stop it, then you’re part of the problem.
Finally, don’t forget that if your child causes bodily harm or property damage, you may also be sued in civil court.
There are things every parent should proactively do:
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- Teach the laws. A lot of kids just don’t know riding in traffic like that is illegal. Educate them or someone else will—like a deputy with a citation book.
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- Know where they’re riding. If they’re out with a group, find out who. Some teens get pulled into this stuff through peer pressure.
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- Gear matters. Helmets are mandatory under 16, and safety lights are required at night. But gear also signals responsibility—if they’re riding safely, they’ll be treated differently by law enforcement.
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- Talk early, not after. Once your kid’s bike is crushed under an SUV or they’re on the sidewalk in handcuffs, it’s too late to set ground rules.
If You or Your Teen Has Been Cited…
We’ve seen it all. Sometimes kids can make bad decisions that can haunt them into adulthood. A single ride can lead to large fines and juvenile court headaches.
If your child was cited act quickly. There are ways to get citations dismissed, reduced, or diverted through pre-trial programs. Hopefully, this is the warning they need to change their behavior.
But don’t go it alone. Contact us with any questions regarding juvenile citations and bicycles.
Where Is This Headed?
Law enforcement is under pressure to restore order on public roads. It’s hard not to wonder—was the deputy in Deerfield Beach too aggressive? Or are we seeing the start of a crackdown?
Whatever is happening, one thing is clear, Florida needs better infrastructure, smarter enforcement, and serious public education—both for young cyclists and impatient drivers.
