If you are an Arizona driver, you probably already know you must share the road with Arizona bicyclists. But what are the rules of the road as they apply to bicyclists? For the safety of everyone, it is important Arizona drivers know what to expect, and what is expected of them.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from Arizona drivers about bicyclists and bicycle laws.
ARE BICYCLISTS ALLOWED ON THE ROADWAY?
Bicyclists, like drivers of cars, must stay on the roadway. Arizona law requires bicyclists ride “as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway.” An exception to this rule is made when two bicyclists are riding two abreast, which is also permissible by law. No more than two should ride abreast, however, except on a designated bike path.
ARE THERE EXCEPTIONS TO THE RULE THAT BICYCLISTS STAY ON THE FAR RIGHT OF THE ROADWAY?
Yes. There are four circumstances wherein the bicyclist may legally be in the roadway:
- If the bicyclist and a vehicle cannot safely travel on a roadway side by side, the bicyclist may be in the roadway
- When one bicyclist is passing another bicyclist headed in the same direction, the bicyclist may go into the roadway
- If there is an object, pedestrian, animal, or surface hazard on the far-right side of the roadway, the bicyclist may move left into the roadway
- When a bicyclist is preparing to turn left at an intersection, onto a private road, or into a private driveway, the bicyclist may move to the far-left side of the lane they are traveling in, before making the left turn
IS IT LEGAL WHEN A BICYCLIST BACKS UP TRAFFIC IN THE ROADWAY?
Generally speaking, if a bicyclist is in the roadway for one of the above-stated reasons, this is legal. However, when five or more cars are backed up behind the bicyclist, all slowed by the presence of the bicyclist, the bicyclist should pull over at the first safe opportunity to do so, allowing the cars to pass.
DO BICYCLISTS HAVE TO FOLLOW OTHER RULES OF THE ROAD?
Yes. Bicyclists must follow other rules of the road. This includes coming to a full stop at red lights and stop signs, yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks, signaling turns, and yielding to oncoming traffic.
IF YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED IN A BICYCLE ACCIDENT
If you have been injured as an Arizona bicyclist, you have certain rights. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, reimbursement for medical bills, rehabilitation, physical therapy, time missed from work, and even the replacement of your bicycle.
Contact the attorneys at Miller Kory Rowe LLP at (602) 648-4045. We offer free consultations, and are happy to meet with you to discuss the facts and circumstances of your case. We do not charge any up-front fees, and you only pay us if we win your case.