Bicycling is practical, economical, and good clean fun. In the Commonwealth of Virginia, a bicycle is considered a vehicle and bicyclists must generally follow the same regulations as motorists. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Web site lists specific Code of Virginia regulations.
Here are some important rules to remember:
Ride in a Straight Line
Bicyclists should generally ride single file. Don’t weave in and out of parked cars. Occupy more of the travel lane if it is narrow or if traffic is moving slowly to increase visibility. Likewise, motorists should stay in their lanes and not swerve into bike lanes.
Choose the Correct Lane
Like motorists, bicyclists should stay in the lane that is marked for the direction they are traveling. Don’t ride in the turn lane if not planning to turn.
Never Ride Against Traffic
Wrong-way bicycle riding is against the law and is a leading cause of crashes. Riding against traffic is often based on the fear of being hit from behind, and a sense that looking at on-coming traffic will prevent crashes, but bicyclists are infrequently hit from behind.When wrong-way riding, bicyclists can’t see signs and traffic signals and motorists are not expecting bicyclist approaching from that direction.
Use Hand Signals
Use hand signals before making a turn. To signal a left turn, look behind, and then hold out the left arm. To signal a right turn, hold out the right arm or hold the left arm up, with bent elbow. Do not signal through the turn since both hands are needed on the handlebars to maintain control.
Obey Traffic Signals
Some traffic signals are triggered by electrically charged wires buried under the pavement. (Look for cut lines filled with tar.) When a vehicle goes over them, the metal disrupts the current, which trips the signal. Most bicycles contain enough metal to trigger the light when stopped over it.
Make Turns Correctly
When approaching an intersection, choose the lane with the arrow pointing where you want to go. Don’t use the straight through bike lane when turning left; use it only if going straight ahead or turning right.
To make a left hand turn as a vehicle, approach the intersection, look over your left shoulder for traffic. Make eye-contact with approaching motor vehicle drivers. When clear, signal a turn. Move over to the left side of the lane (on a two-lane road) or into the turn lane. Be positioned so cars can’t pass you on the left. If riding in a bike lane or on a road with several lanes, look and signal at each lane change. Never make a left turn from the right side of the road. If less comfortable in traffic, get off of your bike and cross as a pedestrian in the crosswalk.
To make a right turn, first scan ahead for cars that may be turning right. If a car ahead is signaling a right turn, do not pass on the right. Do not pass stopped cars at a crosswalk or intersection; they may be preparing to turn right.Be visible and ride alertly
Know the Law and Put Safety First
Even if all traffic laws are obeyed, there is a risk of being involved in an accident when the bicyclist, pedestrian, or motorist isn’t obeying the law or is not able to see a dangerous situation ahead. Ride cautiously!
- Watch others who are waiting at stop signs or in driveways, or who are in parking spaces. They may be preparing to pull out.
- Look out for others who may not see you when they are preparing to turn.
- Watch oncoming traffic that may be preparing to turn left.
- Always be prepared to stop suddenly or to take other evasive action.
When all users of the transportation system know the law and respect their mutual rights and responsibilities, sharing the road is safe and predictable. Consult your state's Department of Transportation and Motor Vehicles Web sites to learn laws and the most common safety practices for sharing the highways with other travelers.
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