Cycling is a healthy, eco-friendly, and enjoyable way to get around. However, when you are sharing the road with motor vehicles, it is vital to understand and follow the laws designed to keep you safe. In Georgia, bicycle riders are expected to obey specific rules and regulations, just like drivers. Knowing these laws not only protects you but also strengthens your rights if you are ever involved in an accident. A professional bicycle accident lawyer in Atlanta can guide you on these.
Here’s a guide to the rules every cyclist in Georgia must follow.
Bicycles Are Legally Recognized as Vehicles
Under Georgia law, bicycles are considered vehicles. This means cyclists must follow the same traffic laws as drivers:
- Obey all traffic signals and signs.
- Yield the right of way when required.
- Ride in the same direction as traffic, not against it.
By treating your bicycle like any other vehicle on the road, you reduce confusion and help ensure everyone’s safety.
Where and How to Ride?
Keep to the Right
Cyclists should ride as close to the right side of the road as is safely possible. However, there are important exceptions:
- Avoiding hazards like debris, parked cars, or potholes.
- Making a left turn.
- Riding in a lane that is too narrow for a car and a bicycle to travel side-by-side safely.
In these cases, it is acceptable and safer to move toward the center of the lane.
No Sidewalk Riding for Adults
In Georgia, cyclists over the age of 12 are generally prohibited from riding on sidewalks. Sidewalks are for pedestrians and can be dangerous if you ride on them.
Signaling is Necessary
Hand signals are not merely courteous, they are the law. Cyclists are required to signal their intentions while riding a bike:
- Left turn: extend left arm straight out.
- Right turn: extend right arm straight out or, in the case of a left turn, left arm bent upward.
- Stopping: left arm bent downward.
Clear communication can reduce the chances of misunderstandings and getting into accidents with other drivers and pedestrians.
Equipment Requirements
Georgia law sets minimum equipment standards for bicycles:
- Brakes must stop the wheels so they skid on dry, level pavement.
- Lights for night riding: a white front light visible 300 feet away and red rear reflector (or lamp) visible from 300 feet away.
- Riders under the age of 16 must wear a helmet that is properly fitted. For all cyclists, it is highly encouraged to wear a helmet for maximum protection.
Riding Side-by-Side
Cyclists may ride two abreast (side-by-side) on the roadway. However, you must not impede traffic. When necessary, riders should move into a single file line to allow vehicles to pass safely.
Motorists Must Give Space
Georgia’s “Section 40-6-296(a)section” requires drivers to leave at least three feet of space when passing a bicycle. If it is not safe to pass within the lane, motorists must wait until it is safe to move into the next lane. This law is crucial for reducing serious accidents involving cyclists.
What to Do After a Bicycle Accident?
Yes, accidents can happen, despite all precautions. Please follow the next few steps:
- Call the police to report the crash without delay.
- Seek medical care, even if you feel fine or think your injuries are insignificant.
- Take photos of your injuries, damage to your bicycle, and the area surrounding the accident scene.
- If people witnessed the crash, get their information when possible.
- Contact a bicycle accident attorney soon thereafter to learn your rights and what to do next.
A knowledgeable attorney who specializes in bicycle accidents in the Atlanta area can assist you in obtaining proper compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
Conclusion
Cycling offers multiple benefits, but there are also some responsibilities. Ultimately, by following the rules, you protect yourself and others on road. Always avoid distractions, wear a helmet and use reflectors to increase visibility. But if you have been injured because of someone else’s negligence, contact a reliable bicycle accident lawyer. They can guide you through the legal process and help you focus on recovery.
