Bikes Are On The Road
Here are the laws and rules for safety.
The laws and rules in this list were gathered from Georgia Bike Sense, a publication of the Georgia Department of Transportation. You can find the publication here.
In my experience as a cyclist, I’ve seen drivers ignore some of these rules. For this particular list, I selectively pulled the information regarding issues I found most critical.
Educate yourself and share to help promote bicycle awareness.
“Bicycles and automobiles both belong to Georgia’s roads. In fact, bicycles are subject to the same traffic laws and have the same rights and responsibilities to the road, as do motor vehicles.”
Specific Laws Regarding Bicycles:
-In many areas of Georgia, riding on the sidewalk is illegal. The sidewalk is typically reserved for pedestrians, making it unsafe for cyclists to be there. Check your city or county ordinance regarding those laws before riding on the sidewalk.
City of Atlanta Sidewalk Ordinance (Sec. 150–210)
(a) Business District: No person shall ride a bicycle upon a sidewalk within a business district or the central traffic district.
(b) Age Restriction: No person 13 or more years of age shall ride upon any sidewalk in district.
(c) Duties to Pedestrians: Any person who is riding a bicycle upon a sidewalk shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian.
-Being slower vehicles, bicycles should stay in the furthest right lane. The exception being when a cyclist must avoid hazards to safe cycling, such as narrow lanes or road blocks. (40–6–294 (a))
-Cyclists under the age of 16 are required to wear a helmet when sharing the road with cars. Adults are not required to wear helmets, but are strongly encouraged. (40–6–296 (e)(1))
-Any cyclist riding at nighttime is required to use a light and reflector which indicates their presence from 300 feet. (40–6–296 (a))
-“Harassment, which may include threats, taunting, or intimidation, is a misdemeanor offense.” (40–6–397 a)
General Safety Rules:
-Drivers must leave at least three feet between them and the cyclist when passing. If you do not have the clearance, do not pass and have patience.
-Cyclists should avoid passing cars in stopped traffic. Cyclists should also avoid making any unexpected weaving through traffic.
-Cyclists should always ride in the same direction as traffic.
-Cyclists are permitted to take the entire lane if need be.
-A cyclist will signal a lane change by extending their arm in the direction of intended movement.
-If a cyclist needs to make a left turn, they are allowed to move over before the turn. When clear, they should signal and move to the appropriate lane prior to reaching the intersection.
