


However, bicycles cannot obstruct traffic or pedestrians. Parked Bicycles Cannot Obstruct Trafficīicycles may be parked on sidewalks, as permitted by local ordinances. The bicycle helmet must meet the standards for helmets set forth by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission. All Children 16 Years of Age or Younger Must Wear a Bicycle HelmetĬhildren must wear a bicycle helmet when riding or being transported on a bicycle. Riders cannot transport children under one year of age on a bicycle. Children May Require Baby SeatsĪ rider cannot transport a child between the ages of one to four years or a child that weighs less than 40 pounds unless the child is secured in a baby seat attached to the bicycle. However, on roadways with more than one lane moving in the direction of travel, riders must ride in a single lane.

Bicyclists Can Ride Side-By-Side on Some RoadsĪ maximum of two riders may ride side-by-side. If riding on a sidewalk is permitted, the biker must yield the right of way to pedestrians.Ĭyclists can ride on almost all roads and public ways in Massachusetts except for express or limited access state highways that have signs prohibiting bicycles. However, some local ordinances may prohibit riding bicycles on sidewalks. You Can Ride Your Bicycle on a Sidewalk in Some PlacesĪ bicyclist may ride a bicycle on sidewalks that are outside of a business district. Some of the bicycle laws that every rider needs to know include: 1. It also contains many of the rules and regulations for bicycle safety in the state. This section of the code governs where you can ride bicycles in Massachusetts.

The Primary Bike Law is located in MGL c.85 §11B. Ten Massachusetts Bicycle Laws You Need to Know To reduce the risk of bicycle accidents, bicyclists and motorists must obey Massachusetts traffic laws. Even though bicyclists might be wearing a bicycle helmet, pads, and other protective gear, the rider’s body receives the force of the blow from the vehicle.Ĭommon injuries in a bicycle accident include traumatic brain injury, broken bones, spinal cord injuries, lacerations, facial injuries, and internal organ damage. However, bicycle accidents can be common in both rural and urban areas.īike riders have a high risk of catastrophic injuries when they are struck by a motor vehicle. In the city, bicycles are inexpensive and convenient forms of transportation. Bicyclists in Boston and throughout Massachusetts have beautiful scenery as they enjoy the outdoors and get exercise.
