Transportation Alternatives, a not-for-profit advocacy group that promotes bicycling, walking, and alternative transportation, offers the following information to help you safely and legally navigate the New York City on two wheels:
Rules of the Road
What’s the Law?So what exactly are the rules of the road for cyclists? In abbreviated form below are the basic laws that cyclists are obliged to obey. Cyclists must also follow all traffic signals and signs. This information is compiled from the N.Y.C. Traffic Rules (NYC) and from the N.Y. State Vehicle and Traffic Law (NYS). For folks who want to read further, copies of the Vehicle and Traffic Law are available to the public at the Dept. of Motor Vehicles for $1.
Rights and ResponsibilitiesYou must obey traffic laws. Every bicyclist and in-line skater has the same rights and is subject to the same duties as a driver of a vehicle, with certain exceptions. (NYS 1231)
Where to Ride
Ride in the bike lane if provided, except for safety, turns, etc. (NYC 4-12, p)
On a wide one-way roadway, ride on either side. (NYC 4-12, p)
Ride on the right side of the roadway, with above exceptions. (NYS 1234)
Where Not to Ride
Don’t ride on the sidewalk unless you are twelve years old or younger. (NYC 4-07, c)
If you ride on the sidewalk, your bike can be confiscated. (NYC Admin Code 19-176)
Don’t ride on expressways, highways, interstates or thruways unless authorized by signs. (NYC 4-12, o)
How to Ride / How Not to Ride
Don’t hitch your bike or cling to any other vehicle on the roadway. (No skitching.) (NYS 1233) Don’t ride more than two abreast. Ride single file when being
passed. (NYS 1234) -->
Use hand and arm signals to indicate turns and stops. (NYS 1237)
If you’re carrying packages, keep at least one hand on handlebar. (NYS 1235)
Don’t ride friends on the handlebars or seat. Carry only the number of persons for which your bike is designed. (NYS 1232)
Ride with your feet on the pedals. (NYS 1232)
Equipment
Don’t wear headphones or a walkman while riding. (NYS 375)
Use a white headlight and red taillight from dusk to dawn. (NYS 1236)
You must have a bell or other audible signal (not a whistle). (NYS 1236)
You must have working brakes. (NYS 1236)
You must have reflectors, reflective tires and/or other reflective devices. (NYS 1236)
Only bicyclists under 14 years old must wear a helmet. (NYS 1238)
Check out Transportation Alternatives' website for more biking information and Bike Month events. Also check out Ride the City--its a very cool mapping engine for safe bicycle routes in the five boroughs.
Happy and Safe biking!
