There is often a lot of confusion when it comes to the rules of the road and bicycles. Which side of the road should you be on, who has the right of way, can you ride on the sidewalk, and many more. Here are just a few of the most common questions about bicycle laws.
Road Rules Every person operating a bicycle upon a way, as defined in section one of chapter ninety, shall have the right to use all public ways in the Commonwealth and shall be subject to the traffic laws and regulations of the Commonwealth.
Any person twelve years of age or younger operating a bicycle or being carried as a passenger on a bicycle on a public way, bicycle path or on any other public right-of-way shall wear a helmet.
Sidewalks Bicycles may be ridden on sidewalks outside business districts when necessary in the interest of safety, unless otherwise directed by local ordinance.
Night Time During the period from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise, the operator shall display to the front of his bicycle a lamp emitting a white light visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet, and to the rear of said bicycle either a lamp emitting a red light, or a red reflector visible for not less than six hundred feet when directly in front of the lawful lower beams of headlamps of a motor vehicle. The operator shall display on each pedal of his bicycle a reflector.
These are just a few of the most common questions. For a complete list of the bicycle laws of Massachusetts, you can visit the following website:
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