Massachusetts Bicycle Laws
Obeying all of the laws that apply to bicyclists can help you stay safe as a biker in Massachusetts. These laws are in place for your own safety, to keep you out of the path of other motorists and out of harm’s way. Following Massachusetts’ bicycle laws may save your life. It can also protect you from absorbing fault if do you get into an accident.
Bicyclists’ Rights to the Road
Bicyclists are legally entitled to ride in the road alongside other motorists in the Commonwealth. They have as much right to take up a lane as a motor vehicle driver. In fact, Massachusetts’ Bicyclist Safety Bill passed additional rules in 2009 granting cyclists the right to ride two abreast in a single lane, as well as prohibiting drivers from endangering cyclists by driving too closely in narrow lanes. Motorists must maintain at least three feet of distance from cyclists when passing.
The right to ride in the road also gives a bicyclist certain responsibilities. A biker must obey all traffic laws that apply to regular motorists, including speed limits, roadway signs and stoplights, and rights-of-way. Bicyclists should ride as far to the right-hand side of the road as possible unless passing someone, making a left-hand turn or avoiding a hazard on the side of the road. Bicyclists can also pass cars to the right-hand side.
The Bicyclist Safety Bill also granted cyclists in the Commonwealth permission to ride on sidewalks, as long as they are not in business districts and a local ordinance does not prohibit doing so. Riding in the road, however, is generally viewed as safer for a cyclist. If a bicyclist does choose to ride on a sidewalk, he or she must yield to pedestrians.
Required Bicycle Equipment
Before taking a bicycle out, the cyclist must ensure that the bike is equipped with all of the required equipment. In Massachusetts, the law requires that all bicycles must have adequate braking systems. In addition, if going out between a half-hour after sunset to a half-hour before sunrise, the bike must have a front headlight that emits a white light that is visible from at least 500 feet to the front, as well as a rear red light or reflector that is visible from at least 600 feet to the back. Bicyclists must also have reflectors attached to each pedal or ankle to ride at night.
Bicycle Helmet Law
In Massachusetts, bicycle helmets are required for any rider or passenger who is 16 or younger and operating on a public road or bicycle path. The bicycle helmet must meet the standards set by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and must fit the child’s head snugly and securely. Note, however, that failure to wear a helmet cannot be used as evidence of contributory negligence in an accident claim. Adult bicycle riders do not have to wear helmets, but they are strongly encouraged to do so.
Responsible Riding Rules
Every bicyclist in Massachusetts has a legal obligation to ride responsibly. This means in a manner that a reasonable and prudent cyclist would in the same circumstances. Cyclists should obey all roadway rules, travel in the same direction as traffic, pay attention to the road, avoid distractions and never bike under the influence of an intoxicating substance. Biking in a careless or reckless manner can increase the risk of a bicycle accident.
What to Do If You Get Into a Bicycle Accident
If you get injured in a bicycle accident in Massachusetts, learn your rights with help from a bicycle accident attorney. An attorney can review your case and help you understand your legal options. You may be able to recover financial compensation through a first-party or third-party insurance claim. You may also have grounds to file a lawsuit if your injuries meet the rules of Massachusetts’ fault law. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible to start your bicycle accident claim.