Know your rights – and your responsibilities – as a bicyclist.

 

FROM ARIZONA GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF HIGHWAY SAFETY

 

Bike Safety and Laws

 

According to Arizona State law, cyclists have the very same rights and responsibilities as motorists. Respect for the rights of ALL road users will help you feel good about yourself and avoid accidents too.

 

Most crashes between motorists and cyclists happen at intersections. Most often, when the motorist is at fault, it is because they failed to yield the right-of-way to the cyclist. This usually happens when you turn left in front of a cyclist, or pull out from a stop sign or driveway into a cyclist’s path.

 

Arizona Bicycle Laws

 

ARS 28-644 Stop for traffic lights and stop signs

ARS 28-817 Always use a white headlight and a red rear reflector when you cycle after sunset or before sunrise

ARS 28-792 ARS 28-904 Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and on sidewalks

ARS 28-756  Before you turn or change lanes, look behind you, signal to show your plan to turn or change lanes, and yield to any traffic already there. Cyclists may signal their turns by extending either their left arm for a left turn or their right arm for a right turn

ARS 28-721 Any vehicle moving slower than the normal traffic speed shall drive in the right-hand lane, or “as close as PRACTICABLE” to the right edge of the road, except when preparing to turn left or when passing

ARS 28-704 Any vehicle on a two-lane road that has five or more vehicles behind it must pull off at the first safe pullout to allow the vehicles behind to proceed

ARS 28-815 Special conditions that affect cyclists more than motorists are recognized in the law

 

You may ride far enough from the road edge to stay clear of surface debris, potholes, rough pavement, drain grates, and pavement joints, as well as to avoid pedestrians, dogs, parked vehicles, and other objects.

 

You may occupy any part of a lane when your safety warrants it. Never compromise your safety for the convenience of a motorist behind you.

 

Laws for Bicycle Riders Only

 

ARS 28-813 Every person riding a bicycle must have a regular seat to sit on

ARS 28-817 Every bicycle must have at least one brake that will make the wheel skid when applied

ARS 28-815 You may ride no more than two side-by-side, except on exclusive bike paths

ARS 28-816 You must have at least one hand on the handlebars at all times

ARS 28-814 You may not attach your bicycle to, or hold onto, another vehicle on the roadway