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Bicycle lanes
When available, use the bike lane typically located at the right edge of the road. Striped-off bike lanes separate bicyclists from other traffic.
Motorists should not cross the solid white line. When the line is dashed, motorists turning right should enter the lane and block bicyclists from passing them on the right.
Bicyclists should watch for motorists turning into bike lanes interrupted by intersections and driveways.
If the bike lane is not well maintained (potholes, glass), is too narrow, or is too close to parked cars, then a bicyclist can use the travel lane.
Laws & Safety Tips - See & Be Seen
Be visible and be aware
Even if all traffic laws are obeyed, there is a risk of being involved in a crash when another bicyclist, pedestrian, or motorist isn’t obeying the law or is not able to see a dangerous situation ahead. Ride or walk cautiously!
Watch others who are waiting at stop signs or in driveways, or who are in parking spaces. They may be preparing to pull out.
Look out for others who may not see you when they are preparing to turn.
Watch oncoming traffic that may be preparing to turn left.
Always be prepared to stop suddenly or to take other evasive action.
Riding a bicycle by following the rules of the road for motor vehicles, as noted elsewhere on this website, is an important way to be more visible and predictable.
Riding at night
Increase visibility by using lights and wearing reflective or light-colored clothes.
- Every bicycle ridden between sunset and sunrise must have at least one white headlamp on the front with a light that is visible from at least 500 feet.*
- At night, a bicycle must have a rear red reflector. On roads with speed limits of 35 mph or greater, one red taillight visible from 600 feet* to the rear is required. Rear lights are safer than reflectors!
- Taillights may be steady or blinking and may be attached to the bicycle or rider.
- Wear clothing made of reflective material. Yellow and lime green are somewhat visible. Red is NOT a good color for evening riding since red looks black in the fading light.
* 10-watt halogen, 1-watt LED minimum.
