There are currently no national standards for laws protecting vulnerable road users, but the League of American Bicyclists has drafted a Model Vulnerable Road User statute,which you can findhere. Kentucky has no helmet law. A blind person and such persons service animal. See our privacy policy. Arkansas has no helmet law. 14-300i; 14-242(f); 14-212c. Louisiana requires that the operator of a motor vehicle, when overtaking and passing a bicycle proceeding in the same direction on the roadway, shall exercise due care while the motor vehicle is passing the bicycle and shall leave a safe distance between the motor vehicle and the bicycle of not less than three feet and shall maintain such clearance until safely past the overtaken bicycle. A roadway without a marked bicycle lane if the roadway has a marked speed limit of 45 miles per hour or less and the roadway does not have a double yellow line separating cars from oncoming traffic indicating a no passing zone. 18 1201.9-13. In Kentucky bicycles are vehicles according to the statute that defines vehicles and a person riding a bicycle shall operate a bicycle in the same manner as a motor vehicle except in certain traffic conditions enumerated in Kentucky Administrative Regulation 14:020. 31-5-102(a)(lviii); 31-5-702. Additionally, in South Dakota, any passenger on a class three e-bike, regardless of age, must wear a helmet. Upon a roadway designated and signposted for one-way traffic. 4511.204; 4511.205. Law 159; 1231. That means that a motor- whether electric or gas-powered - is attached to a regular bike that propels the bike just by pulling on a throttle. Gen. Laws. Rev. Source: Ind. Sources: Conn. Gen. Stat. If there is only one lane for traffic proceeding in the same direction, pass to the left of the bicycle at a safe distance, which must be not less than 3 feet between any portion of the vehicle and the bicycle, and shall not move again to the right side of the highway until the vehicle is safely clear of the overtaken bicycle. Att'yGen. Code), available here: http://search.leg.wa.gov/. Delaware does not require that bicyclists use any lane or path other than a normal vehicular traffic lane. Vermont requires that a person operating a bicycle upon a roadway shall exercise due care when passing a standing vehicle or one proceeding in the same direction and generally shall ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable, but shall ride to the left or in a left lane when: Vermont does not have a statute that specifically authorizes or prohibits the operation of a bicycle upon a sidewalk. A motorized bike is a bicycle that has a motor attached that powers the wheels, either independently or to assist while the rider is pedalling. D. A person lawfully on or within a public way, crosswalk or shoulder portion of the public way who is lawfully operating, riding, using, holding or otherwise on or in any of the following devices: 1. tit. For more information on such plates please visit: http://bmv.ohio.gov/sp_share_the_road.stm. Washington requires that all existing vehicle-activated traffic control signals that do not currently routinely and reliably detect bicycles must be adjusted to do so to the extent that the existing equipment is capable consistent with safe traffic control. California does not provide any modifications to the requirement to come to a complete stop when directed to stop by traffic control devices and does not authorize bicyclists to disobey traffic lights that fail to detect bicyclists. Code 39-10-52.1; 39-07-01. Oregon requires that no person open any door of a vehicle unless and until it is reasonably safe to do so and it can be done without interference with the movement of traffic, or with pedestrians and bicycles on sidewalks or shoulders. Hawaii requires that the driver of a vehicle passing or overtaking a bicyclists proceeding in the same direction shall allow at least three feet of separation between the right side of the driver's vehicle, including all mirrors or other protuberances, and the left side of the bicyclist, and shall not drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken bicycle. In addition, if there is a license, tag, or adhesive license decal affixed to the bicycle the record owner shall be notified directly. In Louisiana, bicycles are defined as vehicles. Source: Or. Stat. Rev. It is legal for all persons of any age to operate a bicycle without wearing a helmet unless otherwise provided by a municipal regulation. A farm tractor or similar vehicle designed primarily for farm use;4. Minnesota currently has the following laws aimed at distracted driving, subject to limited exceptions: Source: Minn. Stat. In New Mexico it is a misdemeanor for any person to open the door of a vehicle on the side near moving traffic unless: it is reasonably safe to do so; and the door can be opened without interfering with the movement of traffic. Source: Ga. Code Ann. Rev. Nevertheless bicycles should not be operated while intoxicated. 28.90.990(16); 28.90.990(28); Alaska Admin. Source: Or. However, 25 states do not have helmet requirements for any class of e-bike. Connecticut provides that each town, city and borough shall have authority to make any ordinance not inconsistent with state laws respecting governing and controlling the use of bicycles within such town, city or borough. In West Virginia, riders under 15 must wear a helmet and, in New York, riders under 14 must wear a helmet. No local authority may require that bicycles be operated on sidewalks. For example, Idahos law specifically states mopeds and motorcycles are not e-bikes and explicitly exempts e-bike operators from licensure, registration and titling requirements. In the Official Code of the District of Columbia, bicycles are defined as vehicles. This law preempts local regulation of bicycles, except for local regulation of sidewalk riding as specifically provided in the law. Connecticut provides that the driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the highway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle. Code tit. Indiana does not have a law that sets a specific distance for a motor vehicle overtaking a bicycle. Arizona requires that a bicyclist, traveling at a speed less than the speed of traffic, must ride as far to the right as practicable. However, the District of Columbia does require that a person shall operate a bicycle in a safe and non-hazardous manner so as not to endanger himself or herself or any other person. The laws regulating the operation of bicycles in the state of Mississippi are generally found in Title 63 of the Mississippi Code (Miss. Connecticut's law prohibiting driving while under the influence of alcohol or other controlled substances is written so that it applies to motor vehicles and therefore likely applies to bicyclists. E-bikes may also provide a more attractive and feasible choice to take short trips. Source: N.J. Stat. There has been a steady stream of legislative action at statehouses regarding e-bikes since 2015. For further information on e-bike laws, research, news and industry updates visitPeople for Bikes. 49.04; 32.34(a)(2). 27-51-1804. A person operating a bicycle upon and along a sidewalk, or a crosswalk, shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing a pedestrian. Once the person has yielded, he may proceed through the steady red light with caution; However, a person making a right-hand turn must only slow to a reasonable speed and yield the right-of-way if required before cautiously making such a turn; and. The laws regulating the operation of bicycles in the state of Nebraska are generally found in Chapter 60 of the Nebraska Revised Statutes (Neb. Code Ann. The law defined a low-speed electric bicycle as A two- or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p. For more information on such plates please visit:https://www.bicyclecolorado.org/get-involved/share-the-road/. Massachusetts does not define who is a "vulnerable road user," but has several rules aimed at protecting bicyclists specifically. Source: Mo. In North Carolina, bicycles are defined as vehicles. You must obey traffic signals and stop signs, yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and slow down in school zones. When operating on a bicycle lane or bicycle path. Bicycles are required to ride in the bicycle lane except when necessary to pass another person riding a bicycle or to avoid an obstruction in the bicycle lane. Arizona specifically provides that statewide laws do not prohibit a local authority, with respect to streets and highways under its jurisdiction and within the reasonable exercise of the police power, from restricting the use of highways or regulating the operation of bicycles and requiring the registration and licensing of bicycles, including the requirement of a registration fee. New Jersey and West Virginia both established a two-tiered classification system. An individual who is under the age of 18 years may not use a wireless communication device while operating a motor vehicle; An individual may not use a text messaging device to write, send, or read a text message or an electronic message while operating a motor vehicle in the travel portion of the roadway; A driver of a Class H (school) vehicle may not use a handheld telephone while operating a motor vehicle that is carrying passengers and in motion; and, A holder of a learner's instructional permit or a provisional driver's license who is 18 years of age or older may not use a handheld telephone while operating a motor vehicle; and. In Idaho bicycles are vehicles according to the statute that defines vehicles and a person riding a bicycle has all of the rights and duties of the driver of a vehicle as provided in Chapters 49-6 and 49-8 of the Idaho Statutes, except as to those provisions which by their nature can have no application. 60-6,179.01; 60-6,179.02; 60-4,124(5)(b). Vermont specifies that motor-assisted bicycles are governed as bicycles and have the same rights and duties applicable to bicyclists. Maine requires that a person operating a bicycle upon a roadway, at a speed less than the normal speed of traffic moving in the same direction at that time and place, shall operate on the right portion of the way as far as practicable except when it is unsafe to do so as determined by the bicyclist or: Maine does not have a statute that specifically authorizes or prohibits the operation of a bicycle upon a sidewalk. (a) For any person to operate a motorcycle, moped, or motor-driven cycle not equipped with mirrors on the left and right sides which shall be so located as to give the driver a complete view of the highway for a distance of at least two hundred feet to the rear of the motorcycle, moped, or motor-driven cycle: PROVIDED, That mirrors shall not be Rev. A learner's permit or intermediate Class D license may be suspended or canceled due to use of a hand-held electronic device while operating a motor vehicle for non-life-threatening emergency purposes. 541.201(23); 551.101. Code Ann. The highway on which the vehicle is being driven is not wide enough to lawfully pass the bicycle at a distance of at least 3 feet. Ch.90, 14; Mass. Seventy-two percent of those trips are currently made by cars and fewer than 2 percent by bicycle. In addition no person shall transport a child under the age of one year as a passenger on a bicycle except on a bicycle trailer or in an infant sling and such child transported in a bicycle trailer or infant sling is wearing a bicycle helmet. In Tennessee bicycles are vehicles according to the statute that defines vehicles and a person riding a bicycle has all of the rights and duties of a driver of a vehicle under Chapters 8 and 10, Parts 1 through 5 of Title 55 of the Tennessee Code, except for special regulations specific to bicycles and those provisions that by their nature can have no application. No other vehicles are present at the intersection to actuate the signal and the operator of the bicycle reasonably believes the signal is vehicle actuated; and. Bicycle, electric-assisted bicycle, and motorized bicycle. Source: Me. Mississippi does not require that bicyclists use any lane or path other than a normal vehicular traffic lane. When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway, except where prohibited by official traffic-control devices; When reasonably necessary to avoid unsafe conditions including those caused by a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and a vehicle to travel safely side-by-side within the lane; or. Stat. E-bikes may also come equipped with a throttle that allows the bike to be propelled without pedaling. All laws mentioned here were compiled as part of a research project in the fall of 2012 and may be subject to change. Motor vehicles may not block the bicycle lane to oncoming bicycle traffic and shall yield to a bicyclist in the bicycle lane before entering or crossing the lane; and. South Dakota does not specifically provide for local authorities to regulate the operation of bicycles or require registration of bicycles, although such authorities may regulate the operation of bicycles through the exercise of their other legal powers. 169.18 subd. These include: Sources: Conn. Gen. Stat. In Virginia, no operator shall open the door of a parked motor vehicle on the side adjacent to moving vehicular traffic unless it is reasonably safe to do so. It does not provide a maximum speed when the bicycle is being propelled by a combination of human and motor power, which is how e-bikes are predominantly ridden. The following information highlights 13 areas of law that may minimize that risk and have the potential to reduce conflicts between bikes and cars (and other traffic). No person who is 18 years of age or older or who has a Class C license shall operate a motor vehicle on any public road or highway of this state while using a wireless telecommunications device to write, send, or read any text based communication, including but not limited to a text message, instant message, e-mail, or Internet data. New York Motorized Bicycle Laws. 169.011(92); 169.222. 23 4(21) & (82); 1136. Stat. 8-1567; 8-126; 8-1587. without a reasonable margin of safety on the right side of the roadway. Source: Or. Any licensee issued a restricted license shall not operate a wireless communication device while driving a motor vehicle. This prohibition applies to bicycles since they are defined as vehicles in Alabama and there are no other statutes which authorize the use of bicycles on sidewalks. A person may not use a handheld wireless communication device while operating a moving motor vehicle on a highway in this state to: manually communicate through an electronic mail system; manually enter data into a handheld wireless communication device; send data, read text, or view images on a handheld wireless communication device; or. Sign up to receive our e-news in your inbox. As a motorized bicycle rider, you must obey all traffic laws, including speed limits and rights-of-way. Connecticut does not provide any modifications to the requirement to come to a complete stop when directed to stop by traffic control devices and does not authorize bicyclists to disobey traffic lights that fail to detect bicyclists. Code 46.04.670; 46.61.502; 46.61.790. Ann. A bicycle using any portion of an available roadway due to unsafe surface conditions. However, California does require that traffic actuated facilities must be installed and maintained so that they detect bicycle traffic. Maine does not offer Share the Road license plates at this time. Bicycles should not be operated while intoxicated. When overtaking and passing another bicycle, vehicle, or pedestrian within the lane or about to enter the lane if the overtaking and passing cannot be done safely within the lane; When preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway; When reasonably necessary to leave the bicycle lane to avoid debris or other hazardous conditions; or. There is currently an effort by the California Department of Public Health to create a plate that would provide grant funding to bicycle advocacy organizations. In Virginia bicycles are vehicles according to the statute that defines vehicles and a person riding a bicycle has all of the rights and duties of a driver of a vehicle, unless the context of a provision clearly indicates otherwise. Stat. South Dakota does not offer Share the Road license plates at this time. Ohio requires that no person open the door of a vehicle on the side available to moving traffic unless and until it is reasonably safe to do so, and can be done without interfering with the movement of other traffic. These mandates usually cover both operators and passengers on the motorcycle. Hawaii does not provide any modifications to the requirement to come to a complete stop when directed to stop by traffic control devices and does not authorize bicyclists to disobey traffic lights that fail to detect bicyclists. Stat. North Carolina requires that any person under the age of 16 riding a bicycle, as an operator or passenger, must wear a protective bicycle helmet. It is legal for all persons of any age to operate a bicycle without wearing a helmet unless otherwise provided by a municipal regulation. There are currently no national standards for laws protecting vulnerable road users, but the League of American Bicyclists has drafted a Model Vulnerable Road User statute, which you can find here. Rev. However, a bicyclists using a sidewalk or crosswalk shall: A bicyclist operating on a crosswalk or sidewalk shall obey an official traffic control device applicable to a pedestrian unless otherwise directed by a police officer or other designated person. On roads where the speed limit is 25 MPH or less, two mopeds may operate side-by-side if both riders agree. However, the Kentucky Drivers Manual does caution that when opening a car door, motorists should check behind for cyclists: http://www.kentuckystatepolice.org/pdf/2006_ky_drivers_manual.pdf. You also must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver's license or learner's permit. Illinois Department of Transportation Bicycling Laws site: Illinois Bicycle Rules of the Road pamphlet: Compilation of laws by League of Illinois Bicyclists: A person may not use a telecommunications device to: type a text message or an electronic mail message; transmit a text message or an electronic mail message; or. Rhode Island requires that the driver of a motor vehicle must pass a bicyclist by driving to the left of the bicycle at a safe distance, that is sufficient to prevent contact with the person operating the bicycle if the person were to fall into the driver's lane of traffic, and returning to the lane of travel once the motor vehicle is safely clear of the overtaken bicycle. Electric bicycles cost on average $2,000 - $3,000, versus a $1,000 average investment for a mid-range traditional commuter bicycle. Every person operating a bicycle upon a roadway must obey all traffic rules applicable to vehicles. When riding upon a one-way road or highway, a person may also ride as near the left-hand curb or edge of such roadway as safely practicable. A person under 18 years of age shall not use any portable electronic device while operating a moving motor vehicle on a highway. Tennessee provides that, notwithstanding any law to the contrary, when an intersection is controlled by a traffic-control signal that utilizes a vehicle detection device and such device fails to detect a bicycle or is inoperative due to the size of the bicycle then the rider of a bicycle approaching the intersection: However, it is not a defense to a traffic signal violation that the rider of a bicycle proceeded under the belief that a traffic-control signal utilized a vehicle detection device or was inoperative due to the size of the bicycle when in fact those conditions did not exist. In addition, when a person is riding a bicycle upon a sidewalk, pathway or crosswalk the bicyclist shall: Sources: Colo. Rev. Gen. Laws. Stat. 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