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Request a Free Consultation Massachusetts Bicyclists' Rights and Responsibilities
In Massachusetts, a bicycle is considered a vehicle. Generally, bicycles may operate on all roads (except limited access highways or where otherwise posted) and must follow the same rules as motor vehicles, with some exceptions.
Your Rights:
- You may ride on public roads and streets
- You may ride on sidewalks outside the business district, unless otherwise posted
- You may signal turns with either hand, and you do not have to signal continuously if that would be unsafe
- You may pass cars on the right
- You may operate in any lane of travel when it is appropriate to do so
- You may ride two abreast so long as you are not impeding traffic
Your Responsibilities:
- If you are under 16, you must wear a helmet (and we suggest always wearing an approved helmet)
- You must obey all traffic laws and regulations (be a good citizen!)
- You must use hand signals to indicate turns or stopping
- You must have visible white headlights, visible red taillights, and reflectors if you are riding ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour before sunrise. You must have reflectors on your ankles if your pedals are not equipped with them. You can have as many reflectors and lights on your bicycle as you desire
- You must notify the police of any accident with property damage over $100
- You may not carry passengers, except in an approved seat or in a trailer
- You may not carry a child under the age of one on your bicycle (but you can use a trailer)
- You must use a basket, rack, bag or trailer to carry things
- You must keep one hand on the handlebars
- Your bicycle must be equipped with working brakes and a bell or horn
- You must yield the right of way to pedestrians, and you must warn them of your approach with a bell or horn
- You must properly identify yourself to a police officer who asks your name and address
- You cannot use another vehicle to tow you
Motorist Responsibilities:
- Motorists must pass at a safe distance. If it is unsafe to pass, motorists must wait until the road is clear before they pass
- Motorists cannot cut you off when making right turns after overtaking you (no “right hooks”)
- Motorists must yield the right of way when making left turns, and must take precaution to yield to you, even if you are passing cars on their right Motorists and passengers must not open doors in your path of travel—they much check before they open their doors.
For more information on bicycle laws and bicycle accidents, visit the bicycle accident tab on this app or the bicycle accident page on our website.
You can also review the laws in M.G.L. c. 85, §§ 11B, 11C and 11D; M.G.L. c. 89, § 2; and M.G.L. c. 90, § 14.
