Bicycle Laws in Pennsylvania

Bicycle accidents can cause bicyclists severe injuries and deaths. Pennsylvania has numerous laws focused on bicycle safety to help protect cyclists when they ride. Following these rules and regulations can reduce the risk of bike collisions.

Pennsylvania’s Bicycle Laws and Safety Rules

Bicycle laws in Pennsylvania that every rider and motorist should know include:

• All riders under the age of 12 must wear a bicycle helmet. However, it is recommended that all cyclists wear helmets. A helmet can reduce the risk of severe head injuries in a bicycle accident.
• Pedestrians have the right-of-way on bicycle paths and sidewalks. A rider must give an audible signal if they intend to pass a pedestrian.
• Riding a bicycle on the sidewalk in a business district is not permitted. You must use a bicycle-only lane instead of riding on a sidewalk when available.
• Bicycles must have a front lamp, rear reflectors, and side reflectors that are visible from 500 feet if you ride between sunset and sunrise.
• A bicycle must have brakes that allow the rider to stop the bike 15 feet on dry, level pavement at an initial speed of 15 mph.
• Bicyclists cannot ride on roadways more than two side-by-side unless they are on paths or roadways exclusively for bicycle use.
• Motorists must allow a minimum of four feet when overtaking a bicycle.
• You must ensure that opening a car door is reasonably safe and will not interfere with the flow of traffic. This law helps prevent bicyclists from being injured in “dooring” accidents.
• You cannot ride bicycles on freeways in Pennsylvania without permission from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
• Bicyclists must obey all traffic signals in accordance with vehicle laws.

The above is not an exhaustive list of all bicycle laws in Pennsylvania. Riders and motorists have a legal duty to know and understand all rules set forth in the Pennsylvania Code for special vehicles and pedestrians. Failure to abide by these laws could result in liability if an accident occurs.

Cities may enact bicycle laws specific to that city. Therefore, riders should always check with the city government for ordinances for riding bicycles within city limits.

Bicycle Accidents Can Cause Severe and Life-Altering Injuries

Riders often sustain catastrophic injuries in bicycle accidents. Even when wearing protective gear, a bicyclist has little protection from the impact when hit by a vehicle.

Common bicycle injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Crushed, fractured, and broken bones
• Lacerations, road rash, and puncture wounds
• Soft tissue injuries
• Back and spinal cord injuries
• Injuries to internal organs
• Amputations and loss of limbs
• Paralysis
• Crushing injuries
• Facial injuries
• Nerve damage

The injuries sustained in a bicycle accident could cause permanent disability and impairments. A rider may be entitled to compensation for their injuries, economic damages, and non-economic damages. However, they must prove that the driver caused the accident to hold them responsible for their losses, pain, and suffering.

What Should I Do If I’m Involved in a Bicycle Accident in Pennsylvania?

If you are involved in a bike crash, the steps you take following the accident could significantly impact the outcome of a personal injury claim. 

Steps to take after a bicycle accident in Pennsylvania include:

• Call 911 to report the crash and wait for police to arrive. 
• If your injuries are not severe and it is safe to do so, take pictures of the accident scene and make a video with your cell phone.
• Collect information from witnesses and bystanders.
• Do not admit fault, apologize for the accident, or otherwise indicate you contributed to the cause of the bicycle crash without consulting a lawyer.
• See a doctor as soon as possible after a bicycle accident if your injuries do not require treatment at an emergency room.
• Document your damages and losses.
• Seek legal advice from a Pennsylvania bicycle accident attorney.

Failing to follow bicycle laws in Pennsylvania could reduce your compensation in an accident claim under the state’s comparative fault rule. For your safety, learn and follow bicycle laws each time you ride. When you are behind the wheel of your car, watch for bicyclists to avoid accidents.