The Biking Laws of New York State – How to Navigate the Roads Safely
Traffic laws and rights to use the roadways apply to persons riding a bicycle or gliding on skates. This means that the rider needs to follow all the same rules of the road while cycling as they would if they were driving a vehicle. If they suffer an accident, the same rules of negligence and liability apply to them as if they were driving a car. Many people are mis-informed about this topic. They feel that if they are on a bicycle and hit by a car, the driver of the car is automatically guilty of negligence and should be sued. However, the Court will also look to the behavior of the cyclist and if they were following the rules of the road; if the cyclist contributed to the accident by not following the rules of the road. For example, picture this – an intersection where there is a stop sign for vehicles and cyclists traveling east and west, but not for those traveling north and south. A cyclist riding east through the intersection without stopping at the stop sign, is hit by the of the vehicle traveling north. Since the driver of the vehicle did not have a stop sign and the cyclist did, it cannot be the driver’s fault there was an accident. Similarly, if a cyclist enters a roadway from their driveway or a side street without stopping and rides right into a car or traffic, it is not the driver of the vehicle’s fault there was an accident. I am not saying that drivers are always in the right, I am saying that cyclists should be careful not to put themselves in harm’s way with the attitude that they can always just sue the driver of the vehicle if they get hit. It just does not work that way.
New York State Has Great Bike Trails
New York State has 750 miles of beautiful trails for cycling, skating and gliding. Enjoy them safely.
Here is a summary of the rules specific to cyclists (and skaters). These are in addition to the general rules of the road when driving a vehicle.[1]
1. Riders must ride their bicycle in a usable bike lane in the direction of the flow of traffic. If there isn’t a bike lane, riders must ride near the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway or, if available, a right-hand shoulder. The purpose is to prevent interference with the flow of traffic.
2. It is the cyclist’s responsibility to be aware of and avoid fixed or moving objects, vehicles, other cyclists, skaters, skateboarders, pedestrians, animals, road hazards, etc. to the best of their ability. This is the rule that causes the most trouble. More on this in the next post.
3. Cyclists are not allowed to ride more than two abreast and if the bike lane or the road is so narrow that a vehicle could not pass two cyclists, then the cyclists need to ride in a single file.
4. Cyclists must also ride in single file when passing other cyclists, pedestrians, vehicles, etc. Also, when being passed by a vehicle.
When Cycling on the Roadways
Its important to follow the rules of the road and pay attention to what is going on around you. Ride safe. Have fun.
5. All cyclists have to come to a full stop before entering a road from the driveway, private road, alley way or over a curb.
6. While riding a bicycle, the rider shall not carry any packages, or articles which prohibits the riders from keeping at least one hand upon the handle or obstructs his or her vision in any direction.
7. All bicycles operating one half hour after sunset, up until one half hour prior to sunrise, must have a light and reflective material on the bike.
8. All bicycles must have a bell or horn or other such method to indicate and alert others of their presence, but it cannot be a whistle or siren. All bicycles must have brakes in good working order. Any person 14 years of age and younger, MUST wear a helmet.
9. All cyclists must use some method to indicate they are turning. Usually, hand signals work best.
10. Bicycles shall not be ridden by more people than the bicycle is designed for. No person riding a bicycle shall attach themselves or the bicycle to another vehicle operated upon a roadway.
NOTE:
· Bicyclists can get traffic tickets and parents can be held responsible for the violations committed by their minor children.
· Your local town or county may have passed additional laws and regulations like whether or not you can ride on sidewalks or helmet use.