The law you are quoting is not applicable to bicycles. It is applicable to motorized bicycles in order to distinguish them from motorcycles.

Arguing about this video using the law you cite makes NO SENSE in the context of this traffic stop.

For information on Massachusetts Laws that pertain to bicycles go to massbike.org


With regards the video the cyclist was well within his rights (in Massachusetts) to ride in the lane on this road. And may, indeed be safer in the lane than on the side. Massachusetts law has also been tested with regards videotaping police officers on duty and it is also in cyclist's favor. Eli is well within his rights throughout the video and did well to stand his ground.

However, if it is the road I think it is, it is one I avoid and never recommend. I bike across the state of Massachusetts with some regularity and do lots of extra miles and climb many more hills to circumvent this stretch. The shoulder is dangerous because of the high traffic volume and the number of intersections and parking lot/driveway entrances. The traffic travels at high speeds, has tons of distracted aggressive drivers and the chances of an accident on this road whether in an automobile or on a bike is quite high. But maybe there was no other alternative for Ei to reach his destination on his chosen method of conveyance.

The police were rightfully concerned about the cyclist's safety but the fact is that there are some roads that barely provide safe accommodations for the thousands of automobiles that use them daily and for the occasional bicyclist that ventures out on a road like this you're pretty much on your own. And the law is on the side of the cyclist's freedom of choice to take that risk.

If the cyclist in the OP's video feels confident and safe riding on that road in the manner demonstrated more power to him. This video is an excellent demonstration of how woefully ignorant cops are of the law and how they attempt to use their authority to overcome their ignorance. I say,"Bravo!" To Eli. But would caution him on the riding of that road and to pick his battles carefully