Bicycle Laws in Every State (2026)
Safe passing distance, helmet rules and other bicycle laws in each state.
| State | Bicycle laws |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Bicycle riders on a roadway have the rights and duties of drivers of vehicles, must ride as near the right side as practicable, may not ride more than two abreast, and must use an adjacent usable bike path where one is provided. A driver passing a bicycle must leave at least three feet on a road with a marked bike lane, or on a road without one if the speed limit is 45 mph or less and there is no double yellow no-passing line, when the cyclist is riding within two feet of the right shoulder. Riders and passengers under 16 must wear a fastened bicycle helmet on public roads, paths, rights-of-way and public parks. Ala. Code §§ 32-5A-260, 32-5A-263, 32-5A-82, 32-5A-283 |
| Alaska | Bicycles: the Alaska Driver Manual says a bicycle is a vehicle, bicyclists must obey traffic signs, signals and all other traffic laws, and drivers must yield the right of way to bicyclists just as they would to another vehicle. It also states that no driver-license points are assessed for traffic violations committed on a bicycle. The manual recommends, but does not state a legal requirement for, helmets, and it does not state a passing distance. Alaska Division of Motor Vehicles, Alaska Driver Manual (rev. 10/2025), pp. 44-45 |
| Arizona | Bicycles: a person riding a bicycle on a roadway or shoulder has all the rights and duties of a vehicle driver, except where special bicycle rules apply. A driver passing a bicycle must keep at least three feet of distance until safely past; if a violation causes a collision with serious physical injury the civil penalty is up to $500, and up to $1,000 if it causes death. Cyclists slower than traffic must ride as close as practicable to the right edge (with exceptions for passing, left turns, hazards and lanes too narrow to share) and no more than two abreast; vehicles may not drive or park in a designated bike lane except in an emergency or to cross it. The sections read do not set a bicycle helmet requirement. A.R.S. §§ 28-812, 28-735, 28-815 |
| Arkansas | Passing bicycles: an Arkansas driver overtaking a bicycle going the same direction must use due care, pass on the left at a safe distance of not less than three feet, and not move back to the right until safely clear of the bicycle. Ark. Code Ann. § 27-51-311 |
| California | Bicycles: the California Driver Handbook says bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other drivers, must obey traffic signs and signals, ride with traffic, yield to pedestrians, and wear a helmet if under 18. Bicyclists slower than traffic must ride as close as possible to the right curb or edge, with exceptions for passing, left turns, hazards, lanes too narrow to share and one-way roads. A driver who cannot change lanes to pass a bicyclist must allow at least three feet and may not pass until three feet of clearance can be given. Bicyclists may not ride on the sidewalk unless the city allows it. California DMV, California Driver Handbook, Section 7 (Bicycles; Passing a Bicyclist) |
| Colorado | Bicycles: a person riding a bicycle, e-bike or electric scooter has the rights and duties of a vehicle driver, subject to special rules and local ordinances. A driver passing a bicyclist must allow at least a three-foot separation (including mirrors) at all times. Riders slower than traffic must use the right-hand lane, riding as far right as the rider judges safe, with exceptions for left turns, passing and hazards; they may ride no more than two abreast and must not impede traffic when doing so. Riders on a sidewalk or crosswalk must yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing them. The sections read do not set a bicycle helmet requirement. C.R.S. §§ 42-4-1412, 42-4-1003(1)(b) |
| Connecticut | Bicycles: a person riding a bicycle, e-bike or electric foot scooter on a highway has the rights and duties of a vehicle driver, subject to local regulation. A driver passing a bicyclist must leave a safe distance of not less than three feet. Children 15 and under must wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet when riding a bicycle on a highway or in a park, although failing to do so is not a violation or offense. Conn. Gen. Stat. §§ 14-286a, 14-232(a), 14-286d |
| Delaware | Bicycles: a person riding a bicycle has the same rights and duties as other drivers, generally rides in the right half of the road, and may ride no more than two abreast. A driver passing a bicycle must move completely into the left lane where there are two or more same-direction lanes; in a single lane wide enough to share, the driver must slow down and pass at a reasonable distance that is never less than 3 feet. Riders and passengers under 18 must wear an approved, fastened helmet, and parents can be fined $25 to $50. Riders on sidewalks must yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing, and sidewalk riding is barred where signs prohibit it. 21 Del. C. §§ 4193, 4196, 4116, 4198K, 4198B |
| District of Columbia | Bicycles: in the District, anyone under 16 riding or operating a bicycle (or as a passenger) on a public roadway, bike path or other public right-of-way must wear a helmet; a parent or guardian who knowingly allows a violation faces a $25 fine, suspended for first-time violators. Bicycle riding on the sidewalk is permitted by statute, and bicyclists in crosswalks or on sidewalks have pedestrian rights but must yield to pedestrians. D.C. Code §§ 50-1605, 50-2201.28(b-1) |
| Florida | A person riding a bicycle has the rights and duties of the driver of any other vehicle, and a cyclist riding on a sidewalk or in a crosswalk has the rights and duties of a pedestrian but must yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing them. Drivers must pass a bicycle at a distance of at least 3 feet. Riders and passengers under 16 must wear a bicycle helmet; failing to wear a helmet may not be considered evidence of negligence or contributory negligence. Fla. Stat. §§ 316.2065(1), (3)(d), (9), (10), (18); 316.083(2), (3) |
| Georgia | Traffic laws that apply to vehicles generally also apply to bicycles, except where the statute says otherwise; a cyclist may ride on a paved shoulder but is not required to. A driver approaching a bicycle must, if possible, move to a lane not next to the bicycle; if not, the driver must slow to a reasonable speed (at least 10 mph below the limit or 25 mph, whichever is greater) and pass with at least three feet between the vehicle and the bicycle at all times; a violation is a misdemeanor with a fine up to $250. Riders and passengers under 16 must wear a helmet on highways, bike paths, bike lanes and public sidewalks, but violating the helmet rule is not negligence per se or contributory negligence and cannot be considered evidence of negligence or liability. O.C.G.A. §§ 40-6-291, 40-6-56, 40-6-296(d) |
| Hawaii | A person riding a bicycle on a roadway has the rights and duties of a vehicle driver, except for special bicycle rules and provisions that by their nature cannot apply. Drivers passing a bicyclist must allow at least three feet between the right side of the vehicle (including mirrors) and the bicyclist. Riders under 16 must wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet (fine up to $25). Bicycles may be ridden on sidewalks at 10 mph or less, yielding to pedestrians, but not on sidewalks in business districts. Haw. Rev. Stat. §§ 291C-142, 291C-43(2), 291C-150, 291C-148(b) |
| Idaho | Bicycle and e-bike riders have the rights and duties of other vehicle drivers (except where the bicycle chapter says otherwise) and must exercise due care; drivers must use due care to avoid colliding with bicyclists. Under Idaho's stop-sign rule, a cyclist approaching a stop sign must slow down and, after yielding to traffic that is an immediate hazard, may proceed without stopping; at a steady red light the cyclist must stop and yield, then may proceed with caution. On sidewalks and in crosswalks, cyclists have pedestrians' rights and duties but must yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing. Idaho's pedestrian and bicycle chapter contains no bicycle helmet requirement, and no specific minimum passing distance (such as 3 feet) was found in the rules of the road. Idaho Code §§ 49-714, 49-720, 49-721, 49-615 |
| Illinois | A person riding a bicycle on a highway has the rights and duties of a vehicle driver, except for special bicycle rules. A driver passing a bicycle must change lanes when another lane going the same way is available and practicable, and must leave at least 3 feet. Cyclists going slower than traffic ride as close as practicable and safe to the right edge, with listed exceptions. Cyclists on a sidewalk must yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing them. 625 ILCS 5/11-1502, 11-703(d), 11-1505, 11-1512 |
| Indiana | According to the Indiana BMV driver's manual, on most roadways bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other roadway users. Drivers may pass a bicyclist only when there is a safe amount of room beside the bicyclist (minimum three feet) and no danger from oncoming traffic, and must yield the right of way to a bicyclist just as they would to another vehicle. Bicyclists may not ride more than two abreast except on paths or roadway parts set aside for bicycles, and are not required to ride in a designated bike lane. The manual does not state a bicycle helmet requirement. Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Indiana Driver's Manual, Chapter 7 (Sharing the Road) |
| Iowa | A person riding a bicycle on the highway has all the rights and duties of a vehicle driver under Iowa's motor vehicle chapter, except provisions that by their nature cannot apply. Drivers must yield to bicycle riders crossing within a crosswalk where signals are not operating, the same as for pedestrians. Iowa's motor vehicle chapter contains no bicycle helmet requirement. Iowa Code §§ 321.234(2), 321.327(1); ch. 321 (reviewed for helmet) |
| Kansas | A person riding a bicycle on a roadway has all the rights and duties of a vehicle driver, except as the bicycle sections provide otherwise and except provisions that by their nature cannot apply. A driver overtaking a bicycle going the same direction must pass to the left at a distance of not less than three feet and not move back right until safely clear, and may pass a bicycle in a no-passing zone only when it is safe to do so. K.S.A. 8-1587, 8-1516(c) |
| Kentucky | A driver passing a bicycle must move to the next lane if there is more than one lane in that direction; on a one-lane road the driver must leave at least 3 feet, or use reasonable caution if 3 feet is not available. Drivers may cross the center line, even in a no-passing zone, to pass a bicycle when the way is clear. Bicyclists may not ride more than two abreast in a single lane (except in a marked bike lane) and may not impede traffic when riding two abreast. Bicycle equipment and safe-operation standards are set by Transportation Cabinet regulation. KRS 189.340(2); KRS 189.287 |
| Louisiana | A bicyclist on a highway has the rights and duties of a vehicle driver, except for special bicycle rules. Drivers passing a bicycle must leave at least 3 feet and keep that clearance until safely past (fine up to $250), and may pass a bicycle in a no-passing zone only when it is safe. Bicyclists must ride as near the right side as practicable, with exceptions such as passing, turning left or avoiding hazards; may not ride more than two abreast except on bike paths; and may ride on the shoulder. A parent or guardian may not knowingly let a child under 12 ride a bicycle on a public road or path without an approved helmet. La. R.S. 32:194; La. R.S. 32:76.1; La. R.S. 32:197; La. R.S. 32:199(B) |
| Maine | A bicyclist on a public way has the rights and duties of a vehicle operator, except for special rules. Drivers passing a bicycle must leave at least 3 feet, and a collision with a bicyclist is prima facie evidence of a violation. Bicyclists riding slower than traffic must keep to the right as far as practicable, with exceptions such as passing, turning left or avoiding hazards, and may ride on paved shoulders. Bicyclists and passengers under 16 must wear a helmet on public roads and bikeways. 29-A M.R.S. §§2063(2), (2-A), (5), 2070(1-A), 2323 |
| Maryland | A bicyclist generally has the rights and duties of a vehicle driver. Drivers must use due care to avoid bicyclists and pass at least 3 feet away, with exceptions such as when the road is too narrow to do so lawfully, and must yield to a bicyclist in a bike lane or shoulder before crossing it. Unless a local ordinance prohibits it, people may ride bicycles on sidewalks, where they have pedestrians' rights and must yield to pedestrians. Riders and passengers under 16 must wear an approved helmet (enforced by warning). Md. Code, Transp. §§21-1202, 21-1209, 21-1103(b), 21-1207.1 |
| Massachusetts | A bicyclist may use all public ways except posted limited-access highways and is subject to traffic laws, with special rules: bicyclists may keep right when passing moving vehicles, may ride on sidewalks outside business districts when necessary for safety unless a local ordinance says otherwise (yielding to pedestrians), and may ride no more than 2 abreast. Drivers must pass a bicyclist (a 'vulnerable user') at a safe distance of at least 4 feet and at a reasonable speed. Riders and passengers 16 or younger must wear a helmet, but not wearing one may not be used as evidence of contributory negligence in a civil case. G.L. c. 85, §11B; G.L. c. 90, §§14, 1 |
| Michigan | A driver passing a bicycle going the same direction must pass at least 3 feet to the left, or, if that is impracticable, at a safe distance and speed. MCL 257.636(2) |
| Minnesota | A bicyclist has the rights and duties of other drivers, including on the shoulder, and has a pedestrian's rights and duties when lawfully on a sidewalk or crosswalk. Drivers passing a bicycle must leave a safe distance of at least 3 feet and keep it until safely past. Bicyclists may ride on sidewalks except in business districts (unless locally permitted) and where local authorities prohibit it, and must yield to pedestrians there. The sections read do not set a bicycle helmet requirement. Minn. Stat. §§169.222, subd. 1, subd. 4(d), 169.18, subd. 3(3) |
| Mississippi | A driver passing a bicyclist must leave at least 3 feet of clearance and keep it until safely past. A driver may pass a bicycle in a no-passing zone only when it is safe, and after passing a bicyclist may not turn right unless the turn can be made with reasonable safety. Miss. Code Ann. §63-3-1309 |
| Missouri | A bicyclist on a street or highway has the rights and duties of a vehicle driver, except for special bicycle rules. A cyclist slower than traffic may ride on the shoulder and must ride in the same direction as traffic. A driver overtaking a bicycle must leave a safe distance and keep clearance until safely past; a violation is an infraction, or a class C misdemeanor if a crash results. The statute sets no specific number of feet, and the sections read do not set a helmet requirement. Mo. Rev. Stat. §§307.188, 307.191, 304.678 |
| Montana | A person riding a bicycle has all the rights and duties of a driver of any other vehicle, except for special bicycle rules. Drivers may not intentionally interfere with a lawful bicyclist, may pass a bicyclist only when it can be done safely without endangering the rider, and must yield to bicyclists in a designated bike lane (the statute sets no fixed passing distance in feet). Cyclists riding slower than traffic generally keep to the right lane or a paved shoulder, with listed exceptions. Riding on sidewalks is allowed unless signs prohibit it, but the cyclist must yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing them. Mont. Code Ann. §§ 61-8-602, 61-8-320, 61-8-605, 61-8-608 |
| Nebraska | A driver passing a bicycle in the same direction must use due care, including leaving at least three feet of clearance when applicable, until safely past. Cyclists slower than traffic must ride as near the right edge as practicable, with exceptions such as passing, turning left, avoiding hazards or a lane too narrow to share, and must ride single file on highways except on bike paths. A cyclist on a sidewalk or in a crosswalk has a pedestrian's rights and duties but must yield to pedestrians, and local governments may further regulate bicycles by ordinance. Neb. Rev. Stat. §§ 60-6,133(3), 60-6,317 |
| Nevada | A person riding a bicycle (or electric bicycle or scooter) on a roadway has all the rights and duties of a vehicle driver, except for special bicycle rules. A driver passing a bicycle must move into the lane to the left when there is more than one lane in that direction and it is reasonably safe, or otherwise pass at a distance of at least 3 feet. Cyclists generally ride as near the right side as practicable, with exceptions such as keeping up with traffic, turning left or avoiding unsafe conditions, and may not ride more than two abreast except on bicycle paths. NRS 484B.763, 484B.270, 484B.777 |
| New Hampshire | Bicyclists have the rights and duties of drivers of other vehicles under the rules of the road, except for special bicycle rules. A driver approaching a bicyclist must leave a reasonable and prudent distance, presumed reasonable if at least 3 feet at 30 mph or less plus one more foot for every 10 mph above 30. Riders under 16 must wear an approved helmet on a public way, cyclists slower than traffic keep to the right as far as practicable (with exceptions such as passing, left turns and hazards), and reflective clothing is required from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise. RSA 265:143, 265:143-a, 265:144 |
| New Jersey | A person riding a bicycle on a roadway has all the rights and duties of a vehicle driver, except provisions that by their nature cannot apply. A driver approaching a bicyclist (or pedestrian or scooter user) must, when possible, change into a lane not next to them; if that is not possible, leave at least 4 feet while passing; and if neither is possible or safe, slow down and be prepared to stop. Anyone under 17 must wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet when riding or riding as a passenger. N.J.S.A. 39:4-14.1, 39:4-92.4, 39:4-10.1 |
| New Mexico | A person riding a bicycle on a roadway has all the rights and duties of a vehicle driver, except for the bicycle equipment and operation rules and the rule for bicycles at stop-sign intersections (drivers other than bicyclists must stop before the crosswalk or stop line at a stop sign). Cyclists must ride as near the right side of the roadway as practicable, may not ride more than two abreast except on bike paths, and may not ride in a way that creates a public safety hazard. Drivers passing any vehicle must pass at a safe distance; the sections read set no specific number of feet for passing a bicycle. NMSA 1978, §§ 66-3-702, 66-3-705, 66-7-345, 66-7-310 |
| New York | A person riding a bicycle on a roadway has all the rights and duties of a vehicle driver, except special bicycle rules and provisions that cannot apply. A driver overtaking a bicycle must pass to the left at a safe distance until safely clear; the statute does not set a specific number of feet. Bicycle operators and passengers under 14 must wear protective headgear, and a child under 1 may not be carried as a bicycle passenger. N.Y. Veh. & Traf. Law §§ 1231, 1122-a, 1238 |
| North Carolina | A driver overtaking another vehicle must pass at least two feet to the left of it. A driver may pass a bicycle or moped in a no-passing zone only if specific conditions are met, including leaving at least four feet of clearance or moving completely into the left lane. A parent or guardian may not knowingly let a child under 16 ride a bicycle as operator or passenger without a securely fastened helmet, but no negligence or liability may be assessed or imputed because of a violation of that rule. N.C. Gen. Stat. §§ 20-149(a), 20-150(e), 20-171.9 |
| North Dakota | A person riding a bicycle on a roadway has the rights and duties of a vehicle driver, and must ride as near the right side as practicable, no more than two abreast. Drivers passing a bicycle going the same direction must leave at least three feet of clearance until safely past. The bicycle chapter has no general bicycle helmet requirement; riders under 18 must wear a helmet on a class 3 electric bicycle. The bicycle chapter does not address riding on sidewalks. N.D. Cent. Code §§ 39-10.1-02, 39-10.1-05, 39-10.1-09(7), 39-10-11.1 |
| Ohio | Bicyclists must ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable, obeying the traffic rules for vehicles, but need not ride at the edge when it is unreasonable or unsafe (for example, to avoid hazards or when the lane is too narrow to share), and may ride no more than two abreast in a lane. When a motor vehicle passes a bicycle or electric bicycle, three feet or more is considered a safe passing distance. State law allows bicycles (and electric bicycles with the motor off) on sidewalks, while letting local authorities regulate bicycle operation, but no local authority may require bicycles to be ridden on sidewalks. Ohio Rev. Code §§ 4511.55, 4511.27(A)(1), 4511.711 |
| Oklahoma | Bicyclists on a roadway have the rights and duties of vehicle drivers. A cyclist slower than traffic must ride as close as safe to the right edge, with exceptions such as passing, turning left, or avoiding hazards; may not pass between lanes of traffic; and may ride no more than two abreast. A driver passing a bicycle must use due care: move to the next lane if one is available and safe, or, on a road with one lane in that direction, leave at least three feet; violations causing injury carry higher penalties. 47 Okla. Stat. §§ 11-1202, 11-1205, 11-1208 |
| Oregon | A bicyclist has the same rights and duties as the driver of any other vehicle, and the bicycle rules do not relieve bicyclists or motorists of the duty to use due care. A driver may pass a bicyclist only by going to the left at a 'safe distance', meaning enough distance to avoid contact if the cyclist fell into the driver's lane; this requirement does not apply to a driver in a lane next to a designated bike lane or driving 35 mph or slower. Drivers must yield to riders in a bicycle lane. Riders and passengers under 16 must wear an approved helmet. Riding on sidewalks is allowed, but the cyclist must give an audible warning before passing pedestrians, yield to all pedestrians, and slow to walking speed at crosswalks and driveways when a car is approaching; electric-assisted bicycles may not be ridden on sidewalks. ORS 814.400, 811.065, 811.050, 814.485, 814.410 |
| Pennsylvania | A person riding a bicycle (pedalcycle) on a roadway has the rights and duties of a vehicle driver. A motorist passing a bicycle going the same direction must pass to the left at least four feet away, at a careful and prudent reduced speed. Riders and passengers under 12 must wear an approved helmet (religious exemption available); by statute, a helmet violation or failure to wear a helmet may not be used as evidence or as contributory negligence in a civil case. Riding on sidewalks is allowed except in business districts (unless signs permit it) or where a usable bike-only lane is next to the sidewalk; riders on sidewalks must yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing them. 75 Pa.C.S. §§ 3501, 3303(a)(3), 3510, 3508 |
| Rhode Island | Bicyclists have the rights and duties of vehicle drivers and may ride on highway shoulders. A driver may pass a bicyclist only at a 'safe distance', enough to prevent contact if the cyclist fell into the driver's lane ('Frank's Law'); this does not apply to a driver in a lane next to a designated bike lane or going 15 mph or slower. Riders and passengers 15 and younger must wear a helmet; failure to wear one may not be treated as contributory or comparative negligence or admitted as evidence in a civil case. Bicycles may be ridden on sidewalks and crosswalks unless signs prohibit it, and riders there have the rights and duties of pedestrians. R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 31-19-3, 31-15-18, 31-19-2.1, 31-19-11, 31-19-12 |
| South Carolina | A person riding a bicycle on a roadway has the rights and duties of a motor vehicle driver, except for special bicycle rules and provisions that by their nature cannot apply. A motor vehicle driver must at all times maintain a safe operating distance from a bicycle, and harassing, taunting or maliciously throwing objects at a bicyclist is unlawful. No specific passing distance in feet appears in the section read. S.C. Code §§ 56-5-3420, 56-5-3435, 56-5-3445 |
| South Dakota | A driver passing a bicycle going the same direction must leave at least three feet between the vehicle (including mirrors) and the bicycle where the posted limit is 35 mph or less, and at least six feet where it is higher, and may partly cross the centerline or lane line to do so when safe. Bicycles may be ridden on sidewalks unless a city restricts it; a cyclist on a sidewalk or crosswalk has a pedestrian's rights and duties, must yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing them, and must stop before entering a crosswalk or street from a sidewalk. SDCL 32-26-26.1, 32-26-21.1, 32-20B-2, 32-20B-3 |
| Tennessee | A person riding a bicycle on a roadway has all the rights and duties of a vehicle driver, except provisions that by their nature cannot apply. A driver passing a bicycle must leave at least 3 feet of space until safely past. Cyclists slower than traffic ride as close as practicable to the right edge (with listed exceptions) and may ride no more than two abreast. Riders and passengers under 16 must wear a securely fastened bicycle helmet on any highway, street or sidewalk. Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 55-8-172, 55-8-175(c)(2), 55-52-105 |
| Texas | A person riding a bicycle has the rights and duties of a vehicle driver unless the bicycle chapter changes them or they cannot apply by their nature. Cyclists slower than traffic ride as near as practicable to the right edge, with exceptions such as passing, turning left, hazards, or an outside lane under 14 feet wide; they may ride two abreast in a single lane if they do not impede traffic. The state or a local authority may prohibit bicycles on sidewalks. Texas's bicycle chapter contains no helmet requirement and no minimum passing distance. Tex. Transp. Code §§ 551.101, 551.103, 551.106(b) |
| Utah | A bicycle rider has all the rights and is subject to the traffic rules of other vehicle operators. Drivers may not knowingly, intentionally or recklessly operate a motor vehicle within three feet of a bicyclist or other vulnerable road user. Cyclists slower than traffic ride as near as practicable to the right edge (with exceptions) and may ride no more than two abreast. On sidewalks, cyclists must yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing, and adults 18 and older may not ride where a sign or ordinance prohibits it. Utah's helmet law for riders under 21 covers electric assisted bicycles but not ordinary bicycles. Utah Code §§ 41-6a-1102, 41-6a-706.5, 41-6a-1105, 41-6a-1106, 41-6a-1505 |
| Vermont | A person riding a bicycle has the rights and duties of a vehicle operator, except where provisions on vulnerable users or bicyclists say otherwise or cannot apply. A driver approaching or passing a bicyclist or other vulnerable user must use due care, including slowing down and leaving at least four feet of clearance (civil penalty of at least $200). Bicyclists generally ride as near the right side as is safe, with listed exceptions, and no more than two abreast. Vermont's bicycle subchapter contains no helmet requirement. 23 V.S.A. §§ 1136(c), 1033(b), 1139 |
| Virginia | A bicycle rider on a highway has all the rights and duties of a vehicle driver unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. A driver passing a bicycle must pass at a reasonable speed at least three feet to the left, and must change lanes if the lane is too narrow to pass that way. There is no statewide bicycle helmet requirement in the section read: localities may by ordinance require riders 14 and under to wear helmets ($25 fine, suspended for first offenses), and a violation cannot be used as evidence of negligence or to reduce damages. Localities may ban bicycles on designated sidewalks; riders on sidewalks must yield to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing. Va. Code §§ 46.2-800, 46.2-839, 46.2-906.1, 46.2-904 |
| Washington | A bicyclist on a roadway has the rights and duties of a vehicle driver, and on a sidewalk or crosswalk has the rights and duties of a pedestrian. A driver passing a bicyclist in the right lane, shoulder or bike lane must, on a road with two or more lanes in that direction, move completely into the lane to the left when safe; on a road with one lane in that direction, slow down and pass at a safe distance of at least three feet where practicable, or move into the oncoming lane when safe if there is not enough room. Rev. Code Wash. §§ 46.61.755, 46.61.110(2) |
| West Virginia | A bicyclist on a roadway has all the rights and duties of a vehicle driver, except special bicycle rules and provisions that cannot apply. A driver passing a bicycle must pass to the left at a distance of at least three feet at a careful and reduced speed. Riders and passengers under 15 must wear a securely fastened, properly fitting bicycle helmet on public roads, bike paths and other public rights-of-way, and parents may not knowingly allow a violation. W. Va. Code §§ 17C-11-2, 17C-7-3(a)(2), 17C-11A-4 |
| Wisconsin | A bicyclist on a roadway or shoulder has all the rights and duties of a vehicle operator, except provisions that apply only to motor vehicles or cannot apply to bicycles. A driver passing a bicycle must leave a safe distance of no less than 3 feet and keep that clearance until safely past. Bicyclists slower than traffic ride as close as practicable to the right edge (with exceptions such as left turns, hazards and lanes too narrow to share), and may ride 2 abreast if they do not impede traffic. Wis. Stat. §§ 346.02(4)(a), 346.075(1), 346.80(2), (3) |
| Wyoming | A bicycle rider has all the rights and duties of a vehicle driver, except special bicycle rules and provisions that cannot apply. Bicyclists ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practicable and no more than two abreast except on paths set aside for bicycles. Wyoming's bicycle article contains no helmet requirement and no minimum passing distance. Wyo. Stat. §§ 31-5-702, 31-5-704 |
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.