In 2009, 603 cyclists died on U.S. roads; 74 were under the age of 14. Various traffic laws concerning cyclists have been enacted all over the United States to protect road users. Some laws may be similar from state to state or completely absent in others. Contact your local Department of Motor Vehicles review the specific rules that apply to your area,
Traffic Laws
Laws for bicycle riders make it easier for motorists to see cyclists and anticipate their moves, so as to prevent accidents. Always ride at the edge of the road, next to the shoulder, so that motorists can easily get past you. New York State requires you to use bicycle lanes where they are provided. California requires all bicyclists to obey traffic signals, such as stoplights and yield signals. Some states require reflective devices or special lamps to be fitted to your bicycle for nighttime visibility.
Basic Rules of the Road
Basic rules of the road include riding on the right side of the road, with the flow of traffic. Use turning lanes when turning and always use the correct hand signals for turning left or right and stopping. Obey traffic signs and give pedestrians right of way. Monitor your speed; according to the Community Safety Series website, the closer you are to the speed of the traffic, the farther into the roadway you tend to ride.
Helmets
Twenty-one states and the District of Columbia have laws making it compulsory for young bicycle riders to wear a safety helmet, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Local laws vary among towns and may require some or all people, including adults, to wear helmets. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends that a child wear a bicycle helmet that is properly fitted to his head for optimal safety; the agency provides instructions for a proper fit.
Considerations
Safety tips that are not laws still serve to help keep you safe. Ensure that your bicycle is well-maintained with safe tires and brakes, as bad tires and brakes can be a hazard. Do not ride alongside motor vehicles when you are getting close to intersections; this can cause accidents, as a motorist may turn suddenly and hit you if you are in his blind spot. Always remain visible to other road users by wearing reflective clothing and using lights on your bicycle in the dark. Use appropriate hand signals when stopping or making turns.
References
- Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute: Helmet Related Statistics from Many Sources
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety; Current U.S. Motorcycle and Bicycle Helmet Laws; April 2011
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; Kids and Bicycle Safety; April 2006
- California Department of Motor Vehicles; California Driver Handbook; Bicyclists
- Community Safety Series; Bicycle Safety; Rules of the Road
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