Whether you’re a seasoned bicyclist or a novice on the road, you probably need a reminder or refresher on the rules of the road. It can be scary or dangerous to share the road with huge vehicles traveling at high speeds. According to KSL.com, 15 bicyclists died in 2022 while on the road. But knowing the bicycle safety laws of the road while on a bike can keep you safe and protected. Especially in the event of an accident resulting in a case.
Utah
1.Bicycles are Vehicles: Same rights, same responsibilities
A bike is considered the same as a vehicle when on the roads in Utah. This means you have the same rights and responsibilities as a car. This means bikers must obey stop signs, stop lights, yield signs, and other traffic controls. If you see on the road, you must stop at red lights, obey arrows, and yield to pedestrians. If you are obeying all traffic laws, then you will receive fair compensation in the event of an accident. Not following the rules can result in you being at fault, and even partial fault and limit your final settlement.
2. The Utah Yield Law: Treating Stop Signs as Yield Signs
A law passed in 2021 ( Utah HB-142) allows bicycles to treat stop signs like yield signs with the right conditions. You can go through the stop sign without fully stopping if you:
- Slow to a reasonable speed
- Yield to pedestrians in the intersection or adjacent crosswalks.
- Yield to other traffic with the right-of-way
- Yield to oncoming traffic posing an immediate hazard (example: a vehicle close enough to cause a collision)
This is because bicycles slow and start slower than cars, so in order to keep the traffic moving, the yield law was put in place. The bike must always slow down before moving through. If you are moving through the intersection as a yield instead of a stop, and you get into an accident, understand that this could be an issue in your case if there is no proof.
3. Ride on the Right, With Exceptions
Bikers must always ride in the most far right lane as possible as practicable, especially because they will most likely be moving slower than traffic. You must follow this law unless:
- You are overtaking another vehicle or cyclist
- Preparing for a left turn
- Passing a right-turn-only lane while going straight
- Avoiding unsafe conditions.
This law helps the flow of traffic move steady and quickly at all times. And you should always use hand signals when you are moving over
4. Equipment Requirements for Night and Low Visibility Riding
Riding your bike on the pad can be dangerous, but especially when visibility is low. If you don’t have the proper gear, not only can you get injured, you can get into legal trouble. There are a few Utah laws that require you to wear safety gear to help you stay visible. This includes:
- A white headlight visible from 500 feet
- A red tail light or reflector visible from 500 feet.
- Side reflectors or lights visible from 500 feet. (Most front lights work for this)
- Brakes capable of stopping within 25 feet going 10 mph on dry pavement.
You also must have the safety gear on 30 minutes before sunrise and sunset. The police can stop your bike and inspect it for this safety gear. It is a good idea to leave all of these safety measurements on and going even in the day. You might ride through a tunnel, a covered path, or even be caught in darkened cloud cover. All of these scenarios can make it hard for drivers to see you well, unless you have the lighted and reflected gear. If you do not have the gear, you could face fines, and receive some fault in the result of an accident.
5. Signaling and Pedestrian Right of Way
Bicyclists must always signal their directional intent, including turns, lane changes, and stops, at least 2 seconds before the action happens. If they are not able to maintain control of their bike when lifting a hand to signal, then it is okay to forgo the signal.
To signal a left turn, you should extend your left arm horizontally. A right turn is signalled by the right arm extended horizontally or the left arm being bent upward at a right angle. To show you are slowing down or stopping, you will extend your left arm downward.
Bicyclists also always yield to pedestrians, and must make noise to let the pedestrian know they are overtaking them.
If you fail to signal those around you of your intent, that can affect liability in case of an accident.
6. Sidewalk and Trail Regulations
Most sidewalks are legal for cyclists to ride on as long as they yield to pedestrians. There are a few sidewalks in Salt Lake City and Provo that do not allow bikes, but there will be signage to let you know of the city’s rules. If you are riding on prohibited sidewalks, and you get into an accident, that can weaken your case.
There are also many rules that now revolve around e-bikes, so check your trails and roads for local ordinances and rules about these electric vehicles.
Knowing the rules in the areas that you are riding will help you stay safe, and protect you during a legal case.
Flickinger • Boulton • Robson • Weeks Can Help
Bike accidents can leave cyclists with lasting injuries, medical bills, and other trauma. If you’ve been seriously injured in a bicycle accident, call the personal injury experts at Flickinger • Boulton • Robson • Weeks right away.
We are located in Northern Utah and have represented clients for over 25 years. We’re experts at what we do, so you can
trust us to take care of your personal injury case. Contact us today to set up a free case evaluation to see how our services can help you.
