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Cycling Laws

Bicycles have the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicles when ridden on the road in Virginia.

  • Follow rules that apply to motor vehicles
  • Obey all traffic signs, signals, lights, and markings
  • Ride on the right, with traffic
  • Unless the travel lane is too narrow to share with a motor vehicle, stay as far to the right as safely possible or use the shoulder
  • Ride no more than two bicyclists side-by-side
  • Ride single-file when moving slower than motor vehicle traffic
  • Obey signs that restrict riding on Interstate highways and on limited access roads
  • Yield to pedestrians
  • Call to pedestrians when approaching from behind and to pass
  • Use hand signals for turns and stops
  • When turning, use motor vehicle turn lanes
  • Keep one hand on the handlebars when carrying articles
  • Don’t carry adults on bicycles not built for more than one
  • Carry children securely in special seats or trailers
  • Don’t wear earphones in both ears
  • Use white headlamps visible from 500 feet when bicycling between sunset and sunrise
  • Use rear reflectors at night; if using roads with speed limits of 35 mph or more, use a red taillight visible from 600 feet
  • Be sure brakes work properly
  • Stop when involved in a crash that involves injury or damage
  • Report name & other pertinent information to police or others involved in a crash
  • Report property accidents to police within 24 hours
  • Obey local ordinances for riding on sidewalks, wearing helmets, and having a bicycle license

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Become a supporter. Contributions make our educational and awareness programs possible. Even the tiniest donation can help make Virginia a better place to bike and walk. Learn more on our Contributions Page.

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Bike Virginia

PO Box 5662
Williamsburg, VA 23188

  • 757-645-1861
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RSS BikeWalkVA on Twitter

  • bikewalkva: It's time to register for Bike Virginia. On May 24 we close our meals option for riders. Don't miss out on the... http://t.co/gxWkxYQdAb May 20, 2013
  • bikewalkva: For anyone thinking about putting a bike rack in their community or at their business this is a great deal. It... http://t.co/lpL08Vqlx6 May 15, 2013

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