What Are The Bicycle Laws in NY?

In NY, the same laws motor vehicle drivers must follow also apply to bicyclists, except for some special rules and obvious exceptions. These laws help ensure the safety of bicyclists and other road users.

If you have suffered an injury in a bicycle crash due to another’s negligent actions, you must understand the state’s bicycle laws and how they apply to your situation so you can recover the compensation you require to cover your damages. If you have yet to talk to an NY bicycle accident lawyer about your case, learn more about your rights as a bicyclist by reading the following NY bicycle laws.

Always Ride With The Traffic

Cyclists must ride along with the traffic flow. This practice can ensure your safety, as you must follow the laws motor vehicle drivers follow. Riding with the movement and direction of other vehicles enables you to follow traffic signs and communicate appropriately with other drivers on the road. Riding this way can also help minimize disorder and confusion on the road. 

Not Everyone Needs to Wear a Helmet by Law, But They Really Should

New York state law only requires cyclists under 14 years old to use a helmet. But, for every cyclist’s safety, it’s always better to wear protective gear while riding. Studies have shown that wearing a helmet lessens the danger of getting facial, head, and brain injuries.

Always Use The Bicycle Lanes Whenever Applicable

Bicyclists must bike on designated bike lanes whenever accessible. However, the law also permits exceptions in case of an emergency or for safety. These bike lanes serve to help divide you and motor vehicle traffic, which minimizes the chances of getting into a serious accident. This law also enables cyclists to be more visible to other car drivers on the road so they can offer the right of way whenever necessary.

You Can Listen to Music While Biking, BUT…

New York Law prohibits bikers from listening to music using both earbuds. Bikers are allowed to wear only one earbud, with the condition that the volume doesn’t take the biker’s attention off of the road and their environment.

Your Bicycle Must Have the Following:

• A bell or device with a sound that can be heard from at or more than 100 feet. Whistles or sirens can’t be used.
• A brake that enables tires to skid on dry and even surfaces.
• Reflective tires. Reflectors installed on a bicycle’s wheels or spokes are required. Specifically, the reflectors on the front tires should be amber or colorless, while the back wheels can have red or colorless ones.
• A headlight and taillight. If a bike is on the road 30 minutes before sunset or sunrise, it needs a colorless headlight that can be seen in the dark at or more than 500 feet and a red tail light that can be seen at or more than 300 feet away. Either of these lights should also be seen laterally at no less than 200 feet.

You Cannot Use The Sidewalk

Bicyclists cannot ride on sidewalks except when local signages permit it, if tires have a diameter under 26 inches, or if the cyclist is under 12 years old.

Reach Out to Our NY Bicycle Accident Lawyer Today

Our NY bicycle accident lawyer can help you understand the bike laws and how they apply to your case if you’ve been injured in a bicycle accident. Dial 716-249-2222 or contact Steve Foley Law Firm online for your free legal consultation with our NY bicycle accident lawyer.