With our temperate weather and beautiful scenery, biking is a great way to get around. Sadly though, bike accidents aren’t uncommon so it’s important cyclists do everything they can to keep themselves safe. One of the best ways to do this is to remember that riding a bike on the road is really no different than driving a car. The same rules apply, although there are other rules of the road that apply only to cyclists. If you’re going to be biking around the city in the New Year, make a resolution to brush up on all the rules that apply while you’re out there.
The Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) of the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety is the safety standard when it comes to the rules of the road for both bicycles and motor vehicles. The ARS first lists the rules that apply to both motor vehicles and bicycles on the road, and they are as follows.
Must stop for traffic lights and stop signs.
Must use a white front headlight and a red rear reflector when riding or driving after sunset or before sunrise.
Must yield to pedestrians on sidewalks and crosswalks.
Drivers and cyclists must both look behind them before turning and signal when they’re about to change lanes.
Slower vehicles must remain in the right-hand lane or as close as they can to the right-hand edge of the road, if possible.
Slower vehicles that have five or more faster-moving vehicles behind them must pull over to the right-hand shoulder of the road so that the other vehicles may proceed.
All vehicles and bicycles are to be a wide berth when sharing the lane with another vehicle or bicycle.
While there are fewer, the ARS then lists the rules of the road that apply only to cyclists.
Every cyclist on a bike must have a proper bicycle seat to sit on.
Every bicycle must be equipped with at least one brake that causes the wheel to stop when used.
Cyclists may not ride more than two people side-by-side, unless on paths clearly marked as bike paths.
All cyclists must have one hand on the handlebar at all times.
Bicycles must never be attached to another vehicle on the road, nor should a cyclist hold onto any other vehicle while on the bicycle.
Bicycle laws can be confusing for some. For instance, many people believe that cyclists are required to wear bike helmets, when in fact they’re not. And others mistakenly believe it’s illegal for bicyclists to ride on the sidewalk. If you’re unsure of the bicycle laws, or you’ve been in a bike accident, contact the bike injury attorneys at Breyer Law Offices, P.C. We know bike law, and we want to help you have a safe and happy New Year!