Washington is one of the country’s most bike-friendly states, partly because lawmakers create laws designed to protect cyclists and reduce the risk of crashes. Motorists and bicyclists in Tacoma and throughout the state alike are expected to know and follow those rules when using any public road in Washington. Because these laws are periodically updated, it’s crucial to review them regularly.
Continue reading to get the latest updates on Washington’s bike laws and how they can help prevent bicycle accidents.
8 Bike Laws Every Road User Should Know in Tacoma
Whether you are a cyclist, pedestrian, or driver, staying up to date with state bicycle laws is essential. Here are eight current bicycle laws you should keep in mind to navigate Tacoma’s roads safely:
1. Helmet Usage
No bicyclist in Washington must wear a bicycle helmet, although some local areas, have their own helmet ordinances. Check your local laws before you ride to see if your area has a mandatory helmet law.
2. Yielding at Stop Signs
Bicyclists have the option to yield at some stop signs instead of coming to a complete stop, as long as they slow down enough to check for other traffic before proceeding. However, bicyclists must still come to a complete stop at traffic lights and railroad crossings, as well as at school bus stop signs.
3. Three-Foot Clearance
Motorists seeking to pass a bicyclist on the road should always give the bicyclist at least three feet of clearance. This law helps reduce the chance of an accidental collision between a car and a bicyclist, which could result in serious injuries.
4. Choice of Lane or Path
Where available, bicyclists can choose to ride in a bike lane, on the shoulder, or in a travel lane. If they decide to use a traffic lane that is open to other motor vehicles, the bicyclist has the same rights and responsibilities as motorists.
5. Riding on the Sidewalk
Unless prohibited by a local ordinance, bicyclists can also ride their bikes on the sidewalk. When doing so, bicyclists have the same legal rights as pedestrians; however, bicyclists should yield the right of way to pedestrians and not ride in a way that endangers their safety.
6. Hand Signals
When riding your bike, you must use hand signals to indicate your intention to turn right, turn left, slow down, or stop. For example, you would extend your left arm straight to your left to signal a left turn and extend it downwards to show you intend to slow down or stop.
7. Riding Two Abreast
When traveling on the road, you and another bicyclist can share the same travel lane and ride two abreast, as long as neither of you impedes other traffic. The law prohibits you from riding three or more abreast in a single lane, though, regardless of whether you are interfering with traffic.
8. Equipment to Ride at Night
Thinking about riding your bike at night? The law requires your bike to have a front reflector that is white and that can be seen for at least 500 feet. You must also have a rear reflector that is red and visible for at least 600 feet. In addition to the rear reflector, you may also have a rear red light, but not in place of it.
Complying With Washington Bike Laws Is Essential for Safety
Washington’s bike laws are designed to help you enjoy a safe, smooth journey, whether in Tacoma or elsewhere in the state. When reviewing state laws, you will also want to check with your city and county for any local ordinances relating to bicycles. Finally, although not legally required in most parts of the state, wearing a helmet is always a wise choice.
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