David really cared about me as an individualand he really cared about seeking the justice that needed to be sought in the case. Massachusetts is also a little weird about safety equipment. What should I do if I am injured while riding my bike in Massachusetts?If you are injured in a bicycle accident, the most important thing to do is to obtain immediate medical care. I hope I don't have another accident, but if I do we'll be back to see David. Finally, the brakes on the bike must be able to get the bike to stop from a speed of fifteen miles an hour within thirty feet of braking on a dry, clean, hard, level surface. (Section 11B.6). Massachusetts law requires that bicyclists use hand signals to signal their intention to turn. There may be additional rules and regulations in individual cities, such as Cambridges Bicycle Road Rules, but the following restrictions apply to the entire state. The contact form sends information by non-encrypted email, which is not secure. TTY: 617/349-4621, Susanne Rasmussen Director of Environmental & Transportation Planningsrasmussen@cambridgema.gov617/349-4607, 2011 Community Development Department, City of Cambridge, Massachusetts | Disclaimer | Privacy, Assistant City Manager for Community Development, See here for tips on how to wear a helmet, Massachusetts Ave - Russell Street - Wendell Street, Cambridge Community Development Department on Tumblr, Cambridge Community Development Department on Instagram, Environmental and Transportation Planning, Town Gown, PILOT and Institutional Planning. Under Massachusetts law, bicyclists must use hand signals to show their intention to turn. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has, New Bike Lanes Help, But Massachusetts Drivers Must Still Slow Down and Watch for Cyclists, Flexipost down on bike lane at Center Plaza, across from Boston City Hall. 
You are entitled to many rights as a cyclist, but you also have a fair amount of responsibilities under Massachusetts law that are important to be aware of. For more information, call our law office at (617)-391-9001. Very nice people who aggressively fight for their clients. The headlight must be able to emit a white light visible from at least five hundred feet. The Primary Bike Law is located in MGL c.85 11B. Intersections: When at a stoplight at an intersection, you may move to the front of the intersection. It became law Jan. 15, 2009, and is codified in Mass. Fighting For Boston Families For More Than A Decade. Can cyclists ride on the sidewalks in Massachusetts?Not usually. As cyclists ourselves, we know the joy that cycling brings. states that you can have as many lights and reflectors as you want. The League recognized our firm's commitment to cycling safety, and our dedication to protecting children from head injuries. They must obey all traffic laws as motorists, with very few exceptions. Since 2013, we have donated over 33,000 children's bicycle helmets through our Project KidSafe campaign. Bicycle Universe is compensated for referring traffic and business to these sources. The contact form sends information by non-encrypted email, which is not secure. I suffered a severe injury in a bicycling accident when I crashed into another cyclist who going the wrong way on a major road My wife is an attorney and she recommended I reach out to Spada Law Group. Drivers can be cited for violating these laws. A bicyclist is not barred from receiving compensation for damages if the rider is partially at fault for the accident, unless the fault is more than 50 percent. The City of Cambridge provides maps of banned sidewalk riding areas. The braking system must allow the rider to stop the bicycle safely and smoothly within thirty feet when traveling at a speed of 15 mph on a hard, clean, level surface. Cyclists must follow all the same basic traffic laws and regulations that apply to motor vehicle drivers. When riding on sidewalks, bicyclists must yield the right of way to pedestrians and give an auditory (loud) signal when passing pedestrians. It also contains many of the rules and regulations for bicycle safety in the state. Safe Distance: maintain a safe following distance from other cyclists, especially when approaching intersections. Passing: You may keep to the right when passing a car or motor vehicle in the travel lane. As a cyclist, you can ride your bike on any public road, street, or bikeway in Massachusetts. Gen. Law Ch. 3-Feet Rule: As a cyclist in Massachusetts, you are entitled to.
It is illegal to extend the fork of the bike, It is illegal to use a siren or a whistle to warn pedestrians (but you can use a horn). While we hope you are never involved in a bike accident, there are also a couple of different forms of insurance we recommend for cyclists in event of a bike crash. If you need both your hands to operate your bike safely, you do not need to signal. Reflectors alone do not make a bicycle visible at night. Signals: You are required to signal your stops and turns, but you can do so with either hand. Cambridge, MA 02139
Ron was excellent. We serve clients throughout Massachusetts, including, but not limited to, those in the following localities: Bristol County including Fall River and Taunton; Essex County including Haverhill, Lawrence, Lynn, and Salem; Middlesex County including Cambridge, Framingham, Lowell, Malden, Newton, Somerville, and Waltham; Norfolk County including Brookline, Quincy, and Weymouth; Plymouth County including Brockton and Plymouth; Suffolk County including Boston, Jamaica Plain, and Revere; and Worcester County including Fitchburg, Leominster, and Worcester. Breakstone, White & Gluck works to encourage cyclists of all ages to wear bike helmets through our Project KidSafe campaign. 
is a Massachusetts professional corporation. 
Massachusetts Bicycle Laws | Boston Bike Injury Lawyer Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers. However, if a helmet isnt worn and there is an accident, not wearing one cant be used as evidence to prove contributory negligence. You can download a larger copy of the posterhere. This again is a little different from other states that dont usually bother to say that. Use of right or left hand to alert drivers or others to turns and stops. M.G.L. We have three offices and proudly serve the entire state with the ability to meet with you remotely from the comfort of your own home. Massachusetts has a small list of laws on the books regarding modifications on bikes which are prohibited. Massachusetts also states that you can have as many lights and reflectors as you want. The law states, "No person operating a vehicle that overtakes and passes a bicyclist proceeding in the same direction shall make a right turn at an intersection or driveway unless the turn can be made at a safe distance from the bicyclist at a speed that is reasonable and proper." A biker must keep at least one hand on the bicycles handlebars at all times. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Drivers are required to yield to oncoming bicyclists when turning left including when the cyclist is riding to the right of other traffic/ on the shoulder. Other communities may as well. Submitting a contact form, sending a text message, making a phone call, or leaving a voicemail does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Basically, bikes can be ridden just about anywhere, unless local laws say otherwise. Conversely, pedestrians cannot walk in bike lanes and must stay on sidewalks. You also need to give an audible signal before passing a pedestrian, but sirens and whistles are not allowed. Our team of dedicated attorneys is available to answer your questions and provide an update on your case. The above laws are only some of the bicycle laws that riders must follow. Electric bikes are defined as a pedal bike with a helper motor or a non-pedal bike with a motor. If there is not enough room, drivers must wait. Only a front light makes the bicycle visible to pedestrians, to drivers about to open a car door into the street, and to drivers who are backing up. Brakes have to functional and allow cyclist to come to a complete stop from 15 mph within 30 feet.
Riders have to wear a helmet and electric bikes can be ridden on all public ways and bike paths, though they are not allowed on express highways or off-street recreational bike paths. A motorist or passenger who doors a bicyclist by opening a vehicle door in front of other traffic (including bicyclists) can be fined up to $100. Marc just guided us through the whole process. Unsubscribe at any time. We offer some insights in our article, "What Every Massachusetts Bicyclist Needs To Know About Car Insurance." These include: In turn, there are a number of CYCLISTS RESPONSIBILITIES for these privileges: There are also a number of provisions that WHAT CYCLISTS CANT DO: Cyclists who violate these rules face fines and impoundment of their bicycle. The law further states when making a left turn, drivers shall yield the right of way to any vehicle (including a bicycle) approaching form the opposite direction. Permanent Seats: You and all passengers must ride on a permanent seat attached to the bike or a trailer towed by the bike. Contact us today. Can cyclists ride next to each other in Massachusetts? Iram Farooq
Bike Races: Competitive bike races are allowed on public roads when there is a recognized bicycle organization sponsor involved, and the organization has appropriate approval from the police departments of the municipality. The accident report must be filed within 5 days, unless someone is unable due to injury. You can find the full text of the laws and regulations the following links; highlighted below are a few key sections. Children must wear a bicycle helmet when riding or being transported on a bicycle. What should I do if I am injured while riding my bike in Massachusetts? 4 Steps to Take After a Construction Accident in Massachusetts. Bicyclists have the right to travel on all public ways except limited access highways. allowed to use an entire lane when cycling, contact an experienced bike accident attorney, forms of insurance we recommend for cyclists, meet with you remotely from the comfort of your own home, God Has Insurance, Too: Woman Injured In Outdoor COVID Church Service Gets $200,000+ Settlement With Help of Chelsea Injury Attorney, $100,000 Settlement for Passenger Injured in a Rear-End Accident in Massachusetts, Cyclists Collide: Massachusetts Bicycle Accident Case Settled for $350,000 by Boston Bike Injury Lawyer. Submitting a contact form, sending a text message, making a phone call, or leaving a voicemail does not create an attorney-client relationship. Under these laws, there are a number of CYCLISTS RIGHTS outlined. When Should I Call a Medical Malpractice Lawyer in Massachusetts? Wait until it is safe to pass a bicycle and not to squeeze cyclists in narrow traffic lanes. This is his area of practice and I had total confidence in him and I actually have recommended him to other people who have been in accidents. Cycling In Massachusetts: Dangerous Motorists Fail To Yield. ifarooq@cambridgema.gov, 344 Broadway
In other words, cyclists may use all roads in Massachusetts except those major highways and limited access roads where posted signs prohibit bicycles. Hiring the Right Injury Lawyer: Questions to Ask Before You Hire a Lawyer.
You may then need to seek legal advice. Visibility is a critical matter for bicyclists. Cyclists must also display a reflector on each pedal or wear ankle reflectors. All rights reserved. c. 89, 2 andM.G.L. Gen. Law Ch. Other Massachusetts laws further address a driver's responsibilities for safe operation near cyclists. 2022 Spada Law Group LLC, All Rights Reserved, Reproduced with Permission. Bike riders have a high risk of catastrophic injuries when they are struck by a motor vehicle. It took a long time for bicycle safety advocates to see the Bicycle Safety Bill become reality. Under the new law, up to two cyclists can ride next to each other, so long as they stay in a single lane. Crosswalks & Intersections: Slow down as you approach crosswalks & intersections. These include: If you are a bicyclist who has been injured by a driver who failed to adhere to these rules, you may be entitled to pursue damages for medical bills, lost wages and more. If you were injured in a bicycle or e-bike accident, Spada Law Groups injury attorneys can work to protect your legal rights. Contact us for a free consultation so we can learn more about your bike or e-bike injury case and see how we can help you get the recovery you deserve after your accident. To learn more, read our website pages on drivers making illegal right turns and illegal left turns and causing injuries to cyclists. These have to be visible in motor vehicle low beams at up to 600 feet. COPYRIGHT 2020 BICYCLE UNIVERSE LLC. Here, we offer a simple, easy-to-read version of Massachusetts bike laws and how they apply to each road user. Two-Wide: You may bike side by side with one other bicyclist. Drivers cannot overtake bicyclists unless there is enough room to pass safely. Massachusetts handles bikes a little differently than many other states do, so its important to understand the bike laws in Massachusetts to ensure that you are riding legally at all times! Bicyclists have a right to use all public ways in the state except for limited access or express state highways with signs posted that prohibit bicycles.
massachusetts bicycle laws
