Nebraska repealed its law that required the use of a sidepath in 2016 thanks to LB716. New York requires that bicyclists ride as near to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway or upon a usable right-hand shoulder in such a manner as to prevent undue interference with the flow of traffic except under any of the following circumstances: New York does not have a statute that specifically authorizes or prohibits the operation of a bicycle upon a sidewalk. When necessary to avoid hazardous conditions, including those caused by a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and a vehicle to travel safely side by side in the lane. 4501.01(A); 4511.01(A); 4511.55(A). 29-A 2116; 2118; 2119. North Carolina 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. When upon a one-way highway with two or more marked traffic lanes, in which case a bicyclist may ride as near the left-hand curb or edge of such roadway as practicable. Oregon currently prohibits a person, while operating a motor vehicle on a highway, from using a mobile communication device. Arkansas 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. Maryland also protects bicyclists specifically by providing that: Source: Md. ), available here http://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/. Kansas does not offer Share the Road license plates at this time. Source: Conn. Gen. Stat. In addition, Arkansas's law prohibiting driving while under the influence of alcohol or other controlled substances is written so that it applies to anyone in actual physical control of a motor vehicle and therefore does not directly apply to bicyclists. Code Ann. Source: R.I. Gen. Laws 31-19-11; 31-19-12. Fifty percent of the amount of such fine is to be deposited into a school zone safety account. Colorado defines a "vulnerable road user" as: (a) A pedestrian; (b) A person engaged in work upon a roadway or upon utility facilities along a roadway; (c) A person providing emergency services within a right-of-way; (d) A peace officer who is outside a motor vehicle and performing the peace officer's duties in a right-of-way; (e) A person riding or leading an animal; OR (f) A person lawfully using any of the following on a public right-of-way, crosswalk, or shoulder of the roadway: (I) A bicycle, electrical assisted bicycle, tricycle, or other pedal-powered vehicle; (II) A farm tractor or similar vehicle designed primarily for farm use; (III) A skateboard; (IV) Roller skates; (V) In-line skates; (VI) A scooter; (VII) A moped;(VIII) A motorcycle; (IX) An off-highway vehicle; (X) An animal-drawn, wheeled vehicle; (XI) Farm equipment; (XII) A sled; (XIII) An electric personal assistive mobility device; (XIV) A wheelchair; (XV) A baby stroller; OR (XVI) A nonmotorized pull wagon. A Class 1 E-bike A class 1 E-bike can be defined as a pedal-assisted electric bicycle with a low-powered motor that boosts the rider's effort up to 20 miles per hour and then cuts off. 504.633; 504.648. Utah and Vermont are examples of states that have recently eliminated e-bike licensure and registration requirements. When operating upon a roadway or a highway, where there are two or more marked traffic lanes and traffic travels in only one direction, in which case a bicyclist may ride as near the left-hand curb or shoulder of that roadway as practicable when preparing for a left turn. When reasonably necessary to avoid conditions that make it unsafe to continue along the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway, including a lane that is too narrow for a bicycle and a vehicle to travel safely side by side within the lane; When approaching a place where a right turn is authorized; and. Rev. In Vermont there is no statute that generally defines what is considered a vehicle. Massachusetts requires that in approaching or passing a person on a bicycle the operator of a motor vehicle shall slow down and pass at a safe distance and at a reasonable and proper speed. Ann. No motor vehicle or person is approaching on the street or highway to be crossed or entered or is so far away from the intersection that it does not constitute an immediate hazard. Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Tennessee and D.C. require riders under age 16 to wear a helmet. Source: Tenn. Code Ann. New Mexico 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. Massachusetts 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. Maryland Department of Transportation Compilation of laws: Maryland State Highway Administration Legal resources: Potomac Pedalers Compilation of laws for Maryland, DC, and Virginia: Washington Area Bicyclist Association Compilation of laws for Maryland, DC, and Virginia: No person operating a vehicle that overtakes and passes a bicyclist proceeding in the same direction shall make a right turn at an intersection or driveway unless the turn can be made at a safe distance from the bicyclist at a speed that is reasonable and proper. Cent. No law was found in West Virginiathat requires persons opening the door of a motor vehicle to do so in a reasonably safe manner that does not interfere with the movement of traffic. ), available here http://www.nmonesource.com/nmnxtadmin/NMPublic.aspx. The manual further states that [i]f you ever have a crash or get a traffic ticket because a trafficlight won't turn green, it's the fault of whoever installed the detector. This guidance is based on the light being defective due to its inability to detect and accommodate bicyclists. Iowa does not have a law that sets a specific distance for a motor vehicle overtaking a bicycle. 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. This may include regulating the operation of bicycles and requiring the registration and licensing of bicycles, including the requirement of a registration fee. A farm tractor or similar vehicle designed primarily for farm use;4. In Michigan bicycles are not vehicles according to the statute that defines vehicles, but a person riding a bicycle has all of the rights and duties of the driver of a vehicle as provided in Chapter 257 of the Michigan Code, except as to those provisions which by their nature can have no application. 56-5-120; 56-5-3420. The operator of a vehicle that passes a bicyclist proceeding in the same direction may not make a right turn at any intersection or into any highway or driveway unless the turn can be made with reasonable safety. 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. The laws regulating the operation of bicycles in the state of Tennessee are generally found in Title 55 of the Tennessee Code Annotated (Tex. Ann. Connecticut has the strictest requirement, requiring operators and passengers for all classes of e-bikes to wear protective headgear. 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. California requires that no person open the door of a vehicle on the side available to moving traffic unless it is reasonably safe to do so and can be done without interfering with the movement of such traffic. The laws regulating the operation of bicycles in the state of Massachusetts are generally found in Title XIV Chapter 85 Section 11B of the General Laws of Massachusetts (Mass. In addition, no person shall leave open a door on the side of a vehicle which is closest to passing traffic longer than is necessary for immediate loading or unloading of passengers or cargo. This law distinguishes, at the federal level, e-bikes that can travel 20 mph or less under motor power alone from motorcycles, mopeds and motor vehicles. Cent. In New Mexico, bicycles are not defined as vehicles. Vermont does not offer Share the Road license plates at this time. Ann. Devices that meet the federal definition of an electric bicycle are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission and must meet bicycle safety standards. In addition there are the following specific restrictions: Sources: Cal. The District of Columbia's law prohibiting driving while under the influence of alcohol or other controlled substances is written so that it applies to all vehicles and therefore applies to bicyclists. In Wyoming, bicycles are defined as vehicles. Code Ann. 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. Source: An example of a law granting powers to a local authority is Vt. Stat. 1-217; 11-1502. Kansas requires that wherever a usable path for bicycles has been provided adjacent to a roadway, bicycle riders shall use such path and shall not use the roadway. Code Ann. The laws regulating the operation of bicycles in the state of Arizona are generally found in Title 28 of the Arizona Revised Statutes (Ariz. 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. Ann. One study from Sweden found average travel speeds for e-bikes to be over 5 miles per hour faster than for traditional bicycles (14 mph versus 8.7 mph). As part of a2015 surveyof Americans regarding their opinions about e-bikes, 72 percent of respondents stated their top concern was safety. Stat. California does not offer Share the Road license plates at this time. After stopping, the rider shall yield the right-of-way to any vehicle in or near the intersection or approaching on a roadway so closely as to constitute an immediate hazard; and. The laws regulating the operation of bicycles in the state of New Jersey are generally found in Chapter 39 of the New Jersey Permanent Statutes (N.J. Stat. tit. A person who caused the death of a vulnerable user by the operation of a vehicle in a negligent manner may be charged with negligent homicide in the first degree, a class B felony. Stat. For the purposes of a vehicle overtaking and passing a bicycle, a safe distance shall mean not less than three feet on any of the following: Alabama law states that the definition of a safe distance as not less than three feet when passing a bicyclist shall only apply when a cyclist is riding within two feet of the right shoulder of the roadway.Source: COA 32-5A-82, Alabama requires that any person under the age of 16 riding a bicycle, as an operator or passenger, must wear a protective bicycle helmet.Sources: COA 32-5A-283; 32-5A-285, Alabama began offering "I Share the Road" license plates in 2017. To travel no more than two abreast when traffic is not impeded. Colorado has codified a three foot passing requirement in three rules to address the variety of circumstances in which a bicyclist may be overtaken by a motorist. West Virginia 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. Stat. Overtaking and passing another bicycle, a vehicle or a pedestrian that is in the bicycle lane or path and passage cannot safely be made in the lane or path; Preparing to execute a left turn at an intersection or into a private road or driveway; Avoiding debris or other hazardous conditions; Preparing to execute a right turn where a right turn is authorized; and. Source: Okla. Stat. Follow lane markings - Don't turn left from the right lane. preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private roadway or driveway; approaching an intersection with a right-turn lane if not turning right at the intersection; taking reasonably necessary precautions to avoid hazards or road conditions. Nevada requires that no person open the door of the side of a vehicle which is closest to passing traffic in such a manner as to interfere with moving vehicular traffic. Colorado, Indiana, Michigan, New Hampshire, South Dakota and Utah require helmets for those under age 18 operating or riding on a class three e-bike. Source: Okla. Stat. . Kentucky does not have a law that sets a specific distance for a motor vehicle overtaking a bicycle. Arizona Department of Transportation Bicycle & Pedestrian Program website: Local website with information and links related to Arizona bicycle laws: Arizona Governor's Office of Highway Safety Bike Safety website: Compilation of laws by the Coalition of Arizona Bicyclists: Cannot use a handheld wireless telephone for wireless interactive communication while operating a motor vehicle, May use a hands-free wireless telephone or device for wireless interactive communication while operating a motor vehicle, Cannot use a wireless telephone for wireless interactive communication while operating a motor vehicle. 12-610.1; 12-610.2; 12-813.1; Public Act 097-0829. In Washington 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 Chapter 46.61 of the Revised Code of Washington, except for special regulations specific to bicycles and those provisions that by their nature can have no application. Source: D.C. Code Mun. E-bikes are most frequently pedal-assist or muscle-assist, meaning the rider must be pedaling for the electric motor to engage. Stat. Code tit. Source: Mich. Comp. 29-A 2323; 2328. In Connecticut 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 the statutes relating to motor vehicles, except as to those provisions which by their nature can have no application and as otherwise provided in certain local ordinances. Hawaii requires that any person under the age of 16 who operates a bicycle must wear a protective bicycle helmet. Utah currently has the following laws aimed at distracted driving, subject to limited exceptions: Source: Utah Code Ann. Rev. In addition, no person shall leave a door open on the side of a vehicle available to moving traffic for a period of time longer than necessary to load or unload passengers. Bicycles should not be operated while intoxicated and operating a bicycle while under the influence of alcohol or other controlled substances may result in severe punishments. Further, when overtaking or passing a bicycle proceeding in the same direction, the driver of a motor vehicle shall exercise due care and: Nevada has no helmet law. Maine requires that no person open the door of a motor vehicle on the side of moving traffic unless opening the door is reasonably safe to do and can be done without interfering with the movement of traffic. Maine does not offer Share the Road license plates at this time. Rev. Ohio 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. In addition, no person shall leave a door open on the side of a vehicle available to moving traffic for a period of time longer than necessary to load or unload passengers. Preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into a private roadway or driveway; Taking reasonably necessary precautions to avoid hazards or road conditions. In Ohio bicycles are vehicles according to the statutes that define what a vehicle is. It is legal for all persons of any age to operate a bicycle without wearing a helmet unless otherwise provided by a municipal regulation. 56-5-3445; 56-5-3230. Doesn't exceed 50 cc. While exercising due care, treats the traffic control device as a stop sign, and determines it is safe to proceed. Maryland currently has the following laws aimed at distracted driving, subject to limited exceptions: Source: Md. 484A.320; 484B.763. 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. A person riding, guiding or leading an animal upon or within a public way; C. A person being guided by a service animal upon or within a public way; or. A person may not throw any object at or in the direction of any person riding a bicycle, and. Oregon defines a "vulnerable user of a public way" as a pedestrian, a highway worker, a person riding an animal or a person operating any of the following on a public way, crosswalk or shoulder of the highway: (1) a farm tractor or implement of husbandry; (2) a skateboard; (3) Roller skates; (4) In-line skates; (5) a scooter; or (6) a bicycle. Regs. These highlights only cover statewide laws and are not comprehensive. New Hampshire does not require that bicyclists use any lane or path other than a normal vehicular traffic lane. However, North Carolina's traffic law requires that the driver of any vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass at least two feet to the left thereof, and shall not again drive to the right side of the highway until safely clear of such overtaken vehicle. A convicted person for the charge can be fined no more than $2,000 and additionally may be ordered to participate in a motor vehicle safety course, and perform up to 150 hours of community service. Source: Ohio Rev. 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