Advocacy & Safety - US Cycling laws on highways

Pretty straightforward/simple/possibly dumb :D question... Maybe I've missed some obvious links on this site, sorry if so. But could anyone direct me to any links about the laws and rights for cycling on highways and other public roads?

In advance...thanks for the help :)

If the laws vary state to state quite a bit then lemme know.

The Uniform Vehicle Code of the United States states that people have equal right to use the roadway whether they are driving a bicycle or a motorized vehicle.

The Michigan Compiled Law says the same (good thing, too, or they wouldn't get any Federal highway money ;)). The Michigan law is here: Link (http://www.michiganlegislature.org/law/mileg.asp?page=getObject&objName=mcl-257-657&queryid=1586231&highlight=bicycle) :)

Pretty straightforward/simple/possibly dumb :D question.... Since each state has it's on laws, the answer is probably not so simple and straightforward. There are also local laws in some areas.

You could start here:
Bike Laws in the US (http://www.massbike.org/bikelaw/)

It is mostly state law but I imagine the laws are fairly similar throughout the country.

Originally posted by JRA
Since each state has it's on laws, the answer is probably not so simple and straightforward. There are also local laws in some areas.

You could start here:
Bike Laws in the US (http://www.massbike.org/bikelaw/)

It is mostly state law but I imagine the laws are fairly similar throughout the country.

Great link thanx I travel and take my bike with me often it will be nice to check out the laws before I go.

I'm not sure even the police know the exact bike laws in most states! I got a photocopy of the main Wisconsin bike laws from the police dept in Seymour, and still had to go to the library to look up all the statutes that were referred to in the main articles. For instance, the main bike laws said you had to have a light and reflector to be on the highway after dark, but it wasn't until I made a 'side trip' in the statutes book that I discovered you were also required to have a bell or other sound warning device (air horns and sirens not allowed) to ride the highway at all.

I think in most cases, the basic rules are pretty much the same from state to state and nobody much will mess with you as long as you're riding safely...and most police I've met are reasonable guys who will warn you if you are doing something wrong. But it doesn't hurt to have an exact copy of the state bike laws with you, just in case you run into one of the bully-type cops who is just looking for a chance to make trouble for someone. After all, he can try to push you around based on what he thinks the law is, even if he isn't right. Paper proof could be handy some day.

yeah and remember to always wear a helmet!!!1