Arizona’s Bicycle Laws

If you live in Arizona and are a frequent bike rider, it’s critical that you know the bike laws in your state and local area. After all, staying safe on the roads and trails should always be your top priority.

Up ahead, we’ll outline all the basic things you should know regarding Arizona bike safety, including several of the most important Arizona bike laws and other safety tips and useful information.

Overview of Arizona’s Bicycle Laws

As in most states, you have rights as a cyclist in Arizona. Of course, you must also abide by certain laws.

At stop signs, traffic lights, and other traffic control devices, for example, you must stop just as vehicles do. Signaling before making a lane change, yielding to those on foot, and staying in your proper lane are other responsibilities you must follow. Statute ARS 28-817 even states that any bicycle used at night needs to “have a lamp on the front that emits a white light visible from a distance of at least five hundred feet … and a red reflector on the rear …”

Here are some other Arizona bicycle laws and statutes that must be followed if you want to bike safely and legally in this state.

When biking in Arizona, you must …

1. Stay on the right side of the road and always ride with traffic — never against it.
2. Follow markings on lanes, and avoid swerving into traffic. Ride your bike in a straight line — again, with the flow of traffic.
3. Always protect your head by wearing a helmet.
4. Ride your bike defensively.
5. Stay visible. Dress in bright colors, and use lights on the front and back of your bike.
6. Be cautious when entering intersections and streets.
7. Always signal before stopping or moving (use hand signals).
8. Take proper care of your bike, and make sure it is in good working condition before going out for a ride

FAQ About Basic Bicycle Safety Tip

Can you ride a bike on the sidewalk in Arizona?
Technically, yes. According to state law, bikes are not restricted from riding on sidewalks. Still, check with city laws to be sure this allowance is enforced locally.

Do bicycles have the right of way in Arizona?
Drivers of vehicles in Arizona should always yield to those on bikes.

Can cyclists ride on roads?
Yes, cyclists can ride on the roads in Arizona, but like vehicles, they must yield to traffic signals and follow vehicle safety laws.

Were You Injured in an Arizona Bike Accident?

Whether you’re downtown biking in Phoenix, enjoying an off-road ride on a Sedona trail, or cycling around Scottsdale, you want to be sure you stay as safe as you can on your bike. Still, this isn’t always possible. Though it’s rarely the biker’s fault if an accident does occur.

Depending on where you are and what kind of drivers are around you, it’s regrettably true that biking accidents often involve motor vehicles. Unfortunately, this can mean serious physical injury — and sometimes even death — for bicyclists.

Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer

To learn more about Arizona’s bike laws or if you were injured in an Arizona bike accident that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, pain, and suffering. Contact our office today to speak with us about your situation. We’d be happy to listen to your story and present you with your best legal options.

Call us today at 602-910-4952 to request a FREE consultation with Brad Johnson Injury Law.