Although some laws for bicycles on the road vary from state to state, common rules are applicable when bicycling on the road almost anywhere in the United States. A cyclist bears all the rights and responsibilities as a driver of a motor vehicle and must obey traffic lights and stop signs. You must ride in the same direction as the traffic. Disobeying traffic laws can result in a ticket.
Sidewalk Riding
In the state of Wisconsin --- but not in all states --- riding your bicycle on the sidewalk is illegal. However, communities have the right to pass ordinances allowing this practice. These laws commonly allow sidewalk riding based on age and location restrictions or based on the kind of property abutting the sidewalk. Riding your bicycle on the sidewalk is also illegal in California. However, in Virginia you are permitted to ride on the sidewalk, but must always yield to pedestrians and give a vocal signal to pedestrians before passing them.
Riding at Night
Some states have special requirements for night riding on the road. The state of Wisconsin and Washington requires a white front light visible to others from 500 ft. and a red rear reflector. In Georgia you must see the front light from a distance of 300 ft. and a red rear reflector is also required.
The Curb
How close or far you ride from the curb depends on the state where you're riding. In Wisconsin you must ride at least 3 ft. from the curb or parked vehicles. In California and Virginia you must ride as close to the right curb as is practical, but on a one way street you can ride on the left side.
Helmets
Some states have helmet laws for riding your bicycle on the road. In Washington there is no state helmet law, but more than 20 cities and counties, including the city of Seattle, require bicyclists on the road to wear a helmet. The state of Virginia does not require bicyclists on the road wear helmets, but 22 cities and counties do including the city of Norfolk and Arlington County. Georgia requires all people under the age of 16 wear a helmet, and California requires helmets for riders under 18.
References
- Wisconsin Department of Transportation; Rules for Riding Bicycles on the Road
- Washington State Department of Transportation; Washington State Bicycle Laws
- California Department of Motor Vehicles; California Driver Handbook Sharing the Road with Other Vehicles Slow Moving Vehicles Animal Drawn Vehicles and Cycles
- Wisconsin Legislature; Lamps and Other Equipment on Bicycles, Motor Bicycles, and Electric Personal Assistive Mobility Devices
- Perry County Georgia; Georgia Bicycle Traffic Laws
- Washington State Department of Transportation; Bicycle Helmet Requirements in Washington
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