Under Pennsylvania law, you are considered to be a vehicle when you are riding a bicycle. For that reason, you will be subject to the same laws as other vehicles. In addition there are other laws that pertain to bicycles only.

Here is a summary of some of the most important ones:

  • You should always stay to the right, like a car, but you are allowed to ride on the shoulder or the roadway.
  • You can ride in the left lane of a one-way street with more than one lane, but never on the freeway. Freeway biking is illegal.
  • You must always have one hand free for the handlebars; don’t carry items that impede this.
  • From sunset to sunrise riding, your bike must have a front lamp, as well as rear and side reflectors.
  • Your bicycle brakes must be capable of stopping your bike within 15 feet from a speed of 15 mph.
  • Anyone under 12 must wear a helmet, but really everyone should.
  • You must obey all traffic signals the same way you would in your car.
  • Hand and arm signals are required. To turn left, extend the left arm horizontally. To turn right, extend the right arm horizontally, or extend your left hand and lower arm upwards.
  • To show you are about to slow or stop, extend the left hand and arm downward.

As central and eastern Pennsylvania bicycle accident lawyers, we urge you to be careful on the road. No matter how safely you ride, there is always someone behind the wheel near you who is not doing the right thing. This is what causes too many Pennsylvania bicycle accidents.

If you do suffer a Philadelphia bicycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, give Schell Law Office a call at 215-545-9000. We can offer you advice and an initial consultation for free.