What Are Pennsylvania Bicycle Laws?

Pennsylvania law protects cyclists just like any motorist. Cyclists have the right to share the road, and the law holds motorists legally responsible for accident-related damages they cause.

You need legal representation if you are a cyclist and have suffered an injury in a traffic accident. Do not hesitate to contact a Philadelphia PA, bicycle accident attorney immediately after a crash injures you.

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Philadelphia PA, Bicycle Accident Guide

• Pennsylvania Bicycle Laws
• How Do Bicycle Accidents Happen?
• How Can a Pennsylvania Bicycle Accident Attorney Help Me?
• What Damages Are Available in a Bicycle Accident?
• Contact a Pennsylvania Bicycle Accident Attorney Today

Pennsylvania Bicycle Laws 

Various laws govern Pennsylvania bicycle use. Here are some of the most common considerations when understanding Pennsylvania bicycle laws.

General Pennsylvania Bicycle Laws

Generally, Pennsylvania state law classifies a bicycle as a vehicle. Cyclists must ride on the right side of the road and in the same direction as traffic. Cyclists must travel in a single file unless they are passing another cyclist.

Cyclists must use a bike lane if one exists, but if one does not, they can ride on the shoulder of the road. Cyclists can ride side-by-side with other cyclists but cannot pass motorists in traffic.

Accidents and Insurance

When a motorist and a cyclist collide, the cyclist has the same legal rights as any other accident victim. If the cyclist suffers an injury because of the motorist’s negligence, the cyclist may file a personal injury claim for typical and applicable expenses, like medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Pennsylvania law does not require cyclists to carry insurance. However, if you use your bicycle as a primary or regular form of transportation, you might want to buy insurance.

Bicycle Safety and Local Ordinances

Cyclists must abide by laws and local ordinances. Some Pennsylvania towns and cities have additional laws or regulations related to bicycles. Some cities have ordinances that may require cyclists to use designated bike lanes or specific parking rules for bicycles.

Cyclists should avoid parking and blocking walkways, driveways, or any areas that can obstruct pedestrian or vehicle traffic. Some Pennsylvania cities may have specific parking laws for cyclists.

Riding in Traffic

Cyclists must follow the same traffic laws as motorists. Every cyclist must stop at red lights and stop signs. Cyclists must also yield the right of way to pedestrians in crosswalks and must slow down or stop to avoid an accident. Cyclists must pass other vehicles on the left side just like motorists.

A cyclist must extend their left arm straight outward to signal a left turn. A cyclist must extend their right arm upward at a 90-degree angle to signal a right turn. Cyclists should extend their left arm downward to signal a stop or slow down.

Pennsylvania state law permits cyclists to ride on the sidewalk. However, some municipalities have their regulations. Some cities or towns may prohibit riding your bike on the sidewalk. Cyclists should also know that pedestrians have the right of way on sidewalks, and cyclists should yield to them.

Bicycle Equipment and Safety Regulations

Pennsylvania law does not require adult cyclists to wear a helmet. However, helmets are required for riders ages 12 and under. Pennsylvania does require that every bike has a bell or horn that can be heard from at least 100 feet away.

Bicycles must also have a white front light, reflectors on pedals and tires, and a red rear reflector light. These safety measures are used to alert pedestrians and other vehicles of the cyclist’s presence, especially when passing or overtaking in traffic.

Bicycle Trails and Paths

There is an extensive network of bike trails throughout the state. Cyclists use these trails for commuting and recreation. Pennsylvania works to promote cycling as a sustainable and healthy form of transportation. Cyclists must adhere to specific trail regulations, including posted speed limits.

Bicycle Registration and Theft Prevention

While cyclists are not required to register their bicycles, Pennsylvania authorities recommend registration. Registering your bicycle helps if someone steals it. Local Pennsylvania law enforcement may hold bicycle registration events to help cyclists keep their bikes safe.

Cyclist’s Right to Use the Road 

Bicyclists are allowed to use the road and travel like motorists. However, cyclists must also obey speed limits, stop signs, red lights, and lane markings.

In Pennsylvania, cyclists have many bicycle-friendly roads, trails, and bike lanes in cities and rural areas. Pennsylvania also supports bicycle education programs for motorists and cyclists to keep everyone on the roads safe.

How Do Bicycle Accidents Happen?

Bicyclist accidents happen for many reasons. Whether a pedestrian or motorist injures you, you deserve compensation for your injuries. Contact an attorney to discuss your damages.

Here are some of the most common ways that Pennsylvania bicycle accidents happen:

Failure to Drive Properly in Bad Weather

Bad weather can easily cause an accident. Drivers can lose control of their vehicles while improperly speeding and collide with a cyclist. An attorney can hold negligent drivers responsible for compensating you for your injuries.

Road Conditions

Pennsylvania’s governments must maintain the roads across the state. If the accident happened because of poorly maintained roads, you might have a legal claim against the state. Contact an attorney to learn more about your legal rights against the government.

Motor Vehicle Involvement

Negligent drivers must compensate you for your damages. Motorists can cause an accident with a cyclist in various situations, including distracted driving, failing to yield, failing to check their blind spots, and aggressive driving.

In cyclist accidents specifically, motorists and their passengers can cause dooring accidents, which happen when the driver or passenger opens the door to an oncoming cyclist, causing an injury.

Environmental and Infrastructure Factors

Environmental and infrastructure factors can contribute to cyclist accidents. For example, a lack of bicycle lanes may cause an accident. Without bike lanes, cyclists might need to ride in vehicle lanes, which puts them at greater risk of an accident. The absence of proper bike lane infrastructure increases the likelihood of accidents.

Some roads might have low visibility. Low visibility, including poor lighting, rain, fog, or even riding at night without proper bike lights can reduce a cyclist’s or motorist’s visibility.

Roads should have proper traffic lights and signs. Poorly designed traffic lights or signs can leave cyclists with inadequate time to stop. Some intersections lack traffic signs or cyclist-friendly traffic lights.

How Can a Pennsylvania Bicycle Accident Attorney Help Me?

A professional can help throughout your case. Working with an attorney can help. Use your lawyer’s professional experience and knowledge to win your case.

Here are some ways that a Pennsylvania bicycle accident lawyer can help you:

Assessing the Viability of Your Claim

An experienced bicycle accident attorney will pursue a viable claim. Discussing the details of your case can result in an estimate of its monetary value, too.

Investigating the Accident

You need as many details about how the accident happened as possible. Most individuals don’t know how to access some evidence—for example, traffic camera footage or a report from an accident reconstructionist. An attorney can get the proof that you need to win your case.

Identifying All Liable Parties

After an accident, you might discover that more than one party might be responsible for causing the accident. Your attorney will work to identify all potentially liable parties and hold them accountable for their part in causing your accident and injuries.

Handling Insurance Claims

Insurance claims can get complicated. An attorney can take the lead regarding the insurance claims process. Insurance companies may try to settle quickly or minimize the payout to you.

An attorney will handle all communication with the insurance company, ensuring they do not take advantage of you by offering a lowball settlement offer.

Helping You Navigate Medical Treatment and Costs

Getting the medical care that you need and deserve after an accident can be difficult, and medical bills can quickly add up. An attorney will help ensure you get the medical treatment you need and will work with your healthcare providers to cover your treatment costs.

An attorney can help get financial compensation for present and future medical expenses. If your injury will have long-term or permanent consequences, an attorney will help ensure that your compensation covers the cost of long-term care, lost earnings, and rehabilitation.

Calculating Damages

An attorney can review the details of your case and calculate your damages. Many accident victims do not realize the extent of their losses after an accident. Some accident victims downplay their losses. Speak honestly with your attorney about your losses so you recover full compensation after filing your claim.

Negotiating a Settlement

The settlement negotiation phase is vital to the bicycle accident claims process. Insurance adjusters are focused on saving the company money. That means adjusters will offer you little or no money for your injuries. Insurance companies are more likely to bully individuals into settling for far less than they are owed to save the company money.

Having an attorney is the best way to get the best outcome after a bicycle accident.

Managing Complex Legal Issues

An attorney will handle the legal complexities of your case. Bicycle accident law can be very complex. Certain procedural rules, like the statute of limitations, filing requirements, etc., can damage your claim if not followed exactly.

An attorney properly follows all legal procedures to prevent the court from dismissing your case due to missed deadlines.

Filing a Lawsuit and Litigation

Many accident cases settle during negotiations, but your case may continue to a trial. If the insurance company fails to accept a satisfactory settlement, your attorney might file a lawsuit.

Facing a courtroom can feel scary. An attorney will ease your mind because you can rely on and trust their experience.

Emotional Support

Your bicycle accident attorney can provide emotional support. An experienced attorney working on your side allows you to focus on recovering from your injuries while they take care of the legal complexities of your case. An attorney will explain your rights and provide you with the peace of mind you deserve through the legal process.

Contact a Pennsylvania Bicycle Accident Attorney Today 

Remember, if a bicycle accident injures you or a loved one in Pennsylvania, statutes of limitations restrict the amount of time you have to file a claim. Act quickly to find an attorney. 

An experienced Philadelphia personal injury lawyer working for you can ensure you recover full and fair compensation after an accident. Contact a bicycle accident lawyer today for the best financial outcome from your bicycle accident.