Bicyclist laws & safety

Definitions 

Bicyclist-related laws

The descriptions below of bicyclist-related laws in the Revised Codes of Washington (RCW) are summarized and do not capture the whole text or intention of the RCWs. Please read each RCW in its entirety to fully understand what the law states.

• Riding on a roadway - When riding on a roadway, a bicyclist has the same rights and responsibilities as vehicle drivers (RCW 46.61.755). A bicycle is a legal vehicle, just like a car.  Bicyclists who violate traffic laws may be ticketed (RCW 46.61.750).
• Riding on a sidewalk - When riding on a sidewalk or a crosswalk, a bicyclist has the same rights and responsibilities as a pedestrian (RCW 46.61.755). Some local jurisdictions may have an ordinance banning cycling on sidewalks.
• Limited access facilities - Some designated sections of the state's limited access highway system may be closed to bicyclists. A limited access facility is a highway or street designed for through traffic. See the permanent bike restrictions map to find the facilities closed to bicyclists. If allowed on a limited access facility, bicyclists must use the shoulder (RCW 46.61.160).
• Shoulder vs. bike lane - Bicyclists may choose to ride on a path, bike lane, shoulder or travel lane as suits their safety needs (RCW 46.61.770).
• Stopping vs. yielding at stop signs - Bicyclists have the option to treat a stop sign as a yield sign unless the stop sign is located at a railroad crossing or a school bus uses a "stop" signal (RCW 46.61.190)
• Children bicycling - Parents or guardians may not knowingly permit bicycle traffic violations by minors under their care (RCW 46.61.700).
• Riding side by side - Bicyclists may ride side by side, but not more than two beside each other (RCW 46.61.770).
• Riding at night - For night bicycle riding, a white front light (not a reflector) visible for at least 500 feet and a red rear reflector visible from behind for 600 feet are required. A red rear light or a flashing taillight visible from behind for 500 feet may be used in addition to a required rear reflector (RCW 46.61.780).
• Hand signals - Hand signals are required when making a left or right turn, stopping, or decreasing speed.  For a left turn, the left arm needs to extend horizontally outwards. For a right turn the left arm should extend upwards or the right arm should extend horizontally outwards. For a stop or a decrease in speed, the left hand should extend downwards (RCW 46.61.758).
• Safe passing - The driver of a vehicle approaching an individual who is walking or bicycling, in the right lane of a roadway or on the right-hand shoulder or bicycle lane of the roadway, shall pass safely. The driver shall move completely into a lane to the left of the lane the pedestrian or bicyclist is in when it is safe to do so or reduce speed to a safe speed for passing and pass at a safe distance, where practicable of at least three feet, before passing and until safely clear of the individual when it is safe to do so (RCW 46.61.110)
• Additional bicycle laws - Local jurisdictions may have additional laws pertaining to bicycles. For example, some jurisdictions require a bicycle to be licensed, limit access in parks or on trails, or have speed limits for bicycles and e-bikes. Please check your local county or municipal code for additional laws pertaining to bicycles.

E-Bike specific laws

• Sidewalks – Class 3 e-bikes are forbidden on sidewalks unless there is no alternative to traveling over a sidewalk as part of a bicycle or pedestrian path or if authorized as acceptable by local ordinance (RCW 46.61.710)
• Shared-use paths and trails – Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed on shared-use paths. Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed on shared-use paths. All classes of e-bikes are not allowed on trails designated as non-motorized or that have a natural surface (RCW 46.61.710).
• Highways – Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are allowed on any part of a highway designated for the use of bicycles. Class 3 e-bikes may operate on facilities that are within or adjacent to a highway (RCW 46.61.710)
• E-bike label - Electric-assisted bicycles, must have a permanently affixed label in a prominent location that contains the classification number, top assisted speed, and motor wattage. A person shall not tamper with or modify an electric-assisted bicycle, (RCW 46.37.690).
• Additional e-bike laws – Local jurisdictions have the right to regulate the use of e-bikes on facilities, property, and rights-of-ways under their control (RCW 46.61.710). Please check with your city or county local code to know if there are any additional regulations on e-bikes.

Bicycle helmet requirements

Currently, there is no state law requiring helmet use for bicyclists. However, some cities and counties do require bicycle helmet use. State law requires anyone operating an e-bike or motorized scooter to comply with all laws and regulations related to the use of bicycle helmets (RCW 46.37.530). Therefore, if a local jurisdiction requires helmet use with bicycles, helmets are also required for e-bikes and motorized scooters.  

Pierce and Spokane Counties require people to wear a bicycle helmet when operating a bicycle, riding as a passenger, or being towed by a bicycle on any public area within the unincorporated areas of each county (County Code 10.22.020 and 8.66.030, respectively). Both counties require bicycle helmets to meet or exceed nationally recognized safety standards for helmet performance. Examples of safety standards include those set by the American National Standards Institute, the Snell Foundation, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, or the American Society for Testing and Materials. 

WSDOT recommends checking your county and municipal code for the most up to date information regarding your city or county's requirements for helmet use. The Research and Services Center website has links to county codes and municipal codes across Washington State.

Safety tips for bicyclists

• Obey traffic signs and signals - Bicyclists must follow the rules of the road like other vehicles (also refer to stop sign information above).
• Never ride against traffic - Motorists aren't looking for bicyclists riding on the wrong side of the road. State law and common sense require that bicyclists drive like other vehicles on the right side of the road.
• Follow lane markings - Don't turn left from the right lane. Don't go straight in a lane marked “right-turn only.”
• Don't cross highway ramps - If riding on limited access facilities or highways where bicycling on the shoulder is allowed, do not enter the travel lane when there is an entrance, exit, or interchange ramp. To continue following the highway, ride down the exit ramp shoulder and then use the entrance ramp shoulder to continue your route.
• Don’t pass on the right - Motorists may not look for or see a bicyclist passing on the right.
• Scan the road behind you - Learn to look back over your shoulder to check for cars, bicyclists, etc. without losing your balance or swerving. Some riders use rear-view mirrors to check what is behind them.
• Keep both hands ready to brake - You may not stop in time if you brake one-handed.
• Give extra space when needed - Allow extra distance for stopping in the rain, since brakes are less efficient when wet.
• Wear a helmet - Always wear a helmet to protect yourself.
• Don't use headphones while riding - Never wear headphones while riding a bike as they can make it harder to hear road noises and can cause distractions.
• Dress for the weather - Wear a poncho or waterproof suit when it's raining. Dress in layers so you can adjust to temperature changes. Wear bright colored clothing so drivers can see you more easily.
• Use hand signals - Hand signals tell motorists, pedestrians, and other bicyclists what you intend to do. Signal as a matter of law, of courtesy, and of self-protection.
• Ride in the middle of the lane in slower traffic - When you are moving at the same speed as traffic, riding in the middle of the lane may help to improve your visibility.
• Choose the best way to turn left - There are two choices: (1) Like a vehicle-signal to move into the left turn lane and turn left when there is a gap in traffic. (2) Like a pedestrian-ride straight to the far side crosswalk and walk your bike across.
• Make eye contact with drivers - Assume that other drivers don't see you until you are sure that they do. Eye contact is important with any driver which might pose a threat to your safety.
• Look out for road hazards - Watch out for parallel-slat sewer grates, gravel, ice, sand or debris and pedestrians on the shoulder. Cross railroad tracks at right angles.
• Use lights at night - The law requires a white headlight and a rear reflector. For added protection, one can add a red rear light or a flashing taillight in addition to the required rear reflector.
• Keep your bike in good repair - Check brakes and tires regularly. Adjust your bike to fit you and keep it working properly. Routine maintenance is simple, and you can learn to do it yourself.

Safety tips for drivers 

• Stop for people in crosswalks - Every intersection is a crosswalk. By law, drivers must stop for pedestrians at intersections, whether it’s an unmarked or marked crosswalk, and bicyclists in crosswalks are considered pedestrians (RCW 46.61.235). The majority of pedestrians and bicyclists hit by drivers in Washington are struck as they are crossing the road. Make sure to double check for pedestrians and bicyclists before entering into an intersection or crosswalk.
• Look and then look again before turning - Make sure to look twice before turning, you might have missed a pedestrian or bicyclist who is about to cross. Be especially watchful of people walking or biking near senior centers, schools, community centers, shopping districts, and other destinations. When turning in front of a bicyclist, think twice because they may be moving faster than you think.
• Put the phone down - The use of personal electronic devices is prohibited for all Washington drivers (RCW 46.61.672) and may result in a $250 fine for each offense (RCW 46.63.110).
• Don’t drive while impaired or sleep deprived - Just like alcohol and other substances, lack of sleep reduces your ability to see, decide, and react in time.
• Pass at a safe distance - Under state law, drivers should move into the left lane when possible or leave at least three feet when passing a bicyclist (RCW 46.61.110). Make sure to wait till there is no incoming traffic and reduce your speed to a safe passing speed relative the individual you are passing.  Leaving an extra safety buffer in time and space when passing gives you more ability to see and react.
• Be more cautious at night or during inclement weather - Darkness and wet weather conditions may affect a driver’s ability to gauge distance, see bicyclists, and stop in time. Slow down and allow for more space for stopping.
• Be mindful of bicyclist around your car - Be aware that a bicyclist needs to be positioned in the lane a safe distance away when passing stopped cars, grates, and other hazards not visible to a driver. Check for passing bicyclists when opening car doors.
• Drive the posted speed limit, or slower - At higher speeds, a driver’s field of vision decreases and stopping distance increases leading to a greater likelihood that a crash will occur. At higher speeds there is less chance of survival for pedestrians and bicyclist when hit. At 20 mph, a pedestrian has a 90 percent chance of survival when hit. The survival rate decreases to 50 percent at 30mph and 10 percent at 40 mph. A driver trying to save a few seconds by speeding could end up taking someone’s life or severely injuring them.
• Use your lights - Daytime running lights make your vehicle more visible to other road users; make it a habit to use them. Studies by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that many car headlight systems performed relatively poorly. Another study by AAA and the Automobile Club of Southern California’s Automotive Research Center found that more than 80 percent of vehicles on the road have low-beam headlights that don’t provide adequate illumination for stopping distance at speeds more than 40 mph.