The Revised Code of Washington has a lot to say about how bicyclists are to use the roads, and how motorists are to interact with bicyclists. In this post we’ll cover bicyclists. Here are many of the references and links to the full text in the Code:
– 46.61.050 Bicycles must obey traffic lights and stop signs (as well as all other traffic control devices)
– 46.61.126 Bicycles & Pedestrians must follow traffic laws
– 46.61.160 Bicycles cannot ride on some limited access highways
– 46.61.261 A bicycle must yield to a pedestrian on a sidewalk or crosswalk. Motor vehicles must yield to bicycles and pedestrains on a sidewalk
– 46.61.700 Parents are responsible for kids obeying bike laws
– 46.61.750 Bicyclists riding on roads must obey all traffic laws on streets and paths
– 46.61.750 Bicyclists may be ticketed for violating traffic laws
– 46.61.750 Traffic laws apply on bicycle trails too
– 46.61.755 Bicycles have all the same RIGHTS and RESPONSIBILITIES as cars
– 46.61.755 A bicycle is a vehicle on the road or a pedestrian on the sidewalk
– 46.61.758 Must signal turns with left hand (right=up, left=out, stop=down). But Right hand signal for right turn is an acceptable substitute
– 46.61.760 Only one person per bicycle seat
– 46.61.765 Clinging to vehicles is illegal
– 46.61.770 Ride as far to the right as is safe and practical except when turning or passing
– 46.61.770 Bicycles are not required to use a bike lane or shoulder
– 46.61.770 Bicycles can and should use turn lanes
– 46.61.770 Bicycles can ride on the left (with the traffic flow) on one way streets
– 46.61.770 Can ride 2 abreast, not more
– 46.61.770 Can legally take the lane if necessary
– 46.61.775 Must have at least one hand on the handlebars at all times
– 46.61.775 Cannot ride carrying anything with both hands while riding
– 46.61.780 Bikes must have brakes
– 46.61.780 At night, bikes must have white light on front, red reflector on the back
– 46.61.780 Steady or flashing red rear light may be used in addition to the reflector
– 46.61.780 46.61.790 Legal to bicycle drunk, but police may impound bicycle if you are too drunk.
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