Bicyclists must follow traffic laws too, plus equipment and safety rules of their own. As a driver you'll be tested on these, and they tell you what to expect from riders around you.
Bicyclists must:
- Obey all traffic controls and signals
- Use the bike lane if slower than traffic; with no bike lane, stay far right
- Use directional hand signals before turning
- Never attach themselves or their bike to any vehicle on the road
- Yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing them on sidewalks or crosswalks
Know the rule
A bicyclist may use the full lane when turning left, passing, avoiding hazards, or when the lane is too narrow to share safely with a car. On a one-way street with two or more lanes, they may ride on the left side.
Handbook p. 89 ↗Bicycle equipment
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front light (sunset–sunrise) | White, visible from 500 feet |
| Rear (sunset–sunrise) | Red reflector and red light visible 600 feet |
| Brakes | Stop within 25 feet from 10 mph |
Bicyclists and passengers this age must wear a helmet meeting federal standards
Handbook p. 90 ↗Know the rule
A child under age four, or weighing 40 pounds or less, must ride in a backpack or sling, child seat or trailer designed for children. Never leave a child in a seat or carrier when you aren't in immediate control of the bike.
Handbook p. 90 ↗Know the rule
Bicyclists may not ride more than two abreast, except on paths or parts of the road reserved for bikes, and must ride single file when impeding traffic.
Handbook p. 90 ↗Know the rule
Bicyclists must not wear headphones or earbuds in both ears on the roadway, and must not ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Handbook p. 90 ↗Know the rule
When riding on a sidewalk or crosswalk, a bicyclist has all the rights and duties of a pedestrian.
Handbook p. 90 ↗Bicyclist safety tips:
- Wear a helmet at any age
- Keep both hands on the handlebars
- Check behind you before changing lanes or moving within the lane
- Wear neon/fluorescent colors and something reflective
- Don't text while biking
Put it into practice
At night you see a bicyclist ahead with a white front light but no red rear reflector or light. The law requires a red rear reflector and a red light visible from 600 feet, so give the rider extra space. They're harder to see than they should be.