Bicycle Laws in WA

Do you know your rights as a cyclist in Washington? Bicycle laws protect your right to ride safely, but drivers do not always follow the rules. If you were hurt in a crash, you might be struggling with medical bills, income losses, and painful injuries. You should not have to handle these burdens alone. A lawyer from Philbrook Law can help you explore your legal options and pursue fair compensation.

Overview of Washington’s bicycle laws

Bicycles are classified as vehicles under Washington law, which means cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers. It also means that motorists must show cyclists the same respect they would other drivers. In fact, they must take extra precautions around cyclists in certain situations.

Where cyclists can ride

Cyclists can ride in bike lanes, on shoulders, or in travel lanes and should choose the safest option based on traffic and road conditions. Some roads, including parts of the state’s limited-access highway system, do not allow bicycles. Local governments can also ban bicycles from certain roads or sidewalks.

Cyclists must not enter crosswalks suddenly if oncoming motorists are too close to stop in time.

Bicycle helmet and equipment laws

Washington has no statewide bicycle helmet law. However, many cities and counties require helmets for younger riders or riders of all ages. Military installations in Washington require helmets for all cyclists.

When riding at night, bicyclists must use white front lights visible from 500 feet and red rear reflectors. They can also use red rear lights in addition to the required reflectors.

Other laws that apply to cyclists in Washington

Cyclists must ride on permanent and regular seats attached to their bicycles and cannot sit anywhere else on their bikes. Cyclists may only carry the number of people their bicycles were designed to accommodate. For example, a bike built for one rider cannot carry a passenger without an extra seat.

Cyclists cannot grab onto or attach themselves to moving vehicles.

Cyclists must keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times. They cannot carry packages, bundles, or any items that prevent them from maintaining control with at least one hand on the handlebars.

Cyclists can ride side by side but no more than two abreast.

Motorist responsibilities around cyclists

Drivers must yield to cyclists in crosswalks, just as they do for pedestrians. Motorists must stop and remain stopped when cyclists are within one lane of their half of the roadway. This rule applies to both marked and unmarked crosswalks. If a driver stops at a crosswalk to let a cyclist cross, other drivers may not pass the stopped vehicle.

When passing cyclists, drivers must leave at least three feet of space. If traffic allows, they should move into adjacent lanes to pass cyclists. Darkness and inclement weather can make it harder to judge distance, so drivers should use extra caution in these conditions.

Common causes of bicycle accidents in Washington

Bicycle accidents can happen for many reasons, but some causes are more common than others. Here’s a closer look at some of the top causes of bicycle crashes in Washington:

• Failure to yield: Many bicycle accidents happen when drivers proceed without looking for cyclists. If a driver does not yield as required, a cyclist might have no time to react.
• Dooring accidents: A cyclist riding near parked cars faces the risk of a door opening suddenly in their path. If a driver or passenger opens a door without checking, a cyclist can crash into it.
• Distracted driving: Even a brief distraction can cause a driver to crash into a bicycle rider, especially if the cyclist is riding in a driver’s blind spot.
• Impaired driving: Drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs react more slowly and struggle to judge distance. Impaired drivers are more likely to overlook cyclists or drift into bike lanes.
• Passing too closely: Some drivers misjudge the space needed to pass cyclists safely. If drivers pass too closely, they can force cyclists toward curbs or into dangerous road conditions.
• Poor road conditions: Potholes, uneven pavement, and loose gravel can make cycling dangerous. Cyclists can lose control and fall if they hit deep potholes or slippery surfaces.
• Following too closely: Some drivers do not leave enough space when following cyclists. If a cyclist slows down or stops suddenly, a driver who is too close might not react in time to prevent a rear-end collision.
• Mechanical failures: A poorly maintained or defective vehicle can put cyclists at risk. If a car’s brakes fail, the driver may not be able to stop in time to avoid hitting a cyclist. Tire blowouts, broken headlights, and malfunctioning turn signals also increase the chance of a crash.

What to do after a bicycle accident

If you get hurt in a Washington bicycle accident, you can take the following steps to protect your health and legal rights:

• See a doctor as soon as possible, even if your injuries seem minor. Some injuries take hours or days to show symptoms, and a medical record will help if you file a claim. Save documents related to your treatment, prescriptions, and any out-of-pocket expenses.
• Get the driver’s name, contact information, and insurance details. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and phone numbers so they can provide statements if needed.
• Capture images of your injuries, your bike, the vehicle involved, and any road hazards. Take pictures of traffic signals, signs, and skid marks that could help explain how the crash happened.
• If you have auto or health insurance that may cover your injuries, notify your provider promptly. Provide accurate information, but do not accept a settlement without reviewing your options.
• If the driver’s insurance company contacts you with a settlement offer, speak with a lawyer before signing anything. Once you sign, you cannot bring another claim related to the accident, and insurers often offer far less than your claim is worth.

Contact a Washington bicycle accident lawyer

If you were hurt in a bicycle accident, an experienced lawyer from Philbrook Law can fight for your rights and the financial recovery you deserve. We can deal with the insurance companies, gather evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more.