The state of Washington has a number of bicycle laws in place to help protect cyclists and car drivers. It is important to know and understand these laws before riding your bike on Washington’s roadways. Remember, most car driver laws apply to cyclists as well. If you are ever involved in a bicycle accident, you will be required to prove that you were not at fault for the incident. Following the Washington bicycle laws and riding with due caution will greatly increase your chances of avoiding an accident and of successfully filing a personal injury claim.

Bike Helmets

Studies show that most bicycle accident fatalities occur when the rider is not wearing a helmet. As a response to recent bicycle helmet studies, many states are adopting bicycle helmet laws. The state of Washington currently has no bicycle helmet law, but many cities and counties have adopted their own bicycle helmet laws. All of King County and Seattle are two examples of places that have enacted their own bicycle safety laws.

Riding Your Bike On The Road

If you choose to ride your bike on the road, you are subject to the same laws, responsibilities and rights as other vehicle drivers. These laws are clearly stated in RCW 46.61.755. Failure to follow these laws makes you vulnerable to traffic tickets and citations. More than anything else, it would be in your best interest to follow these laws so you have a safe riding experience.

Riding Side By Side (RCW 46.61.770)

Riding alongside another bicyclist is legal in Washington. You cannot, however, ride alongside more than one bicyclist. The idea behind this law is to not allow cyclists to take up too much of the road. It is probably safest to stay in a single file line alongside the right hand side.

Roads Closed To Bicycles

There are roads, like highways, that are restricted to bicyclists for safety reasons. These areas are usually marked with signs. Each county and city can choose to add restricted areas as well so it’s worthwhile to do your research before a long trip.

Night Riding (RCW 46.61.780)

While riding a bike at night in Washington you are required to have a white light mounted on the front of your bike. Your light must be strong enough to be seen for 500 feet. You are also required to have a red rear reflector. A rear red light is recommended but not required by law.

Riding On Shoulders

RCW 46.61.770 clearly makes it legal to ride your bike on paths, bike lanes, travel lanes and shoulders.

These Washington bicycle laws are in place to make sure that both bicyclists and drivers of other vehicles are safe. Failure to follow these laws often results in deadly bicycle accidents. However, a number of bicycle accidents also occur as a result of other drivers’ negligence. Distracted or drunk drivers or those who are simply inattentive often cause catastrophic bicycle accidents. If you have been injured in a Washington bicycle accident, please contact the experienced personal injury lawyers of The Bernard Law Group to find out how we can help.

IF YOU, OR A LOVED ONE, HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED IN A CAR ACCIDENT IN WASHINGTON – CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION!