Rules of the Road
Driving your bike in traffic
When riding your bike on public roads, you are driving a vehicle – and you have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles. Drive your bike as you would drive your car in traffic, and follow all traffic laws.
SAME ROADS, SAME RULES: Ride your bike safely and legally on public roadways (MassBike).
For more pointers on riding your bike more safely and comfortably in traffic:
NEW RIDERS: Check out MassBike's Getting Started Cycling Guide (MassBike).
Guidelines for group rides
Follow these basic guidelines when leading or participating in group rides:
RECOMMENDED READING: For more info on safe and legal cycling, download the Group Riding Manual produced by the League of American Bicyclists (PDF, 8 pages).
Racing regulations
RIGHT: Lance Armstrong, American cycling legend and cancer survivor.
Driving your bike in traffic
When riding your bike on public roads, you are driving a vehicle – and you have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers of motor vehicles. Drive your bike as you would drive your car in traffic, and follow all traffic laws.
SAME ROADS, SAME RULES: Ride your bike safely and legally on public roadways (MassBike).
For more pointers on riding your bike more safely and comfortably in traffic:
- Take a Bicycling Skills class (MassBike).
- Follow the five basic principles of bicycling in traffic (MassBike).
- Learn how you can ride better (League American Bicyclists).
- Obey traffic laws for bicycling (Massachusetts General Laws).
NEW RIDERS: Check out MassBike's Getting Started Cycling Guide (MassBike).
Guidelines for group ridesFollow these basic guidelines when leading or participating in group rides:
- Arrive early, introduce new riders, and start on time.
- Review the route before starting the ride.
- Always wear a helmet when riding.
- Pass other riders only on the left, and announce your pass to other riders.
- Stay hydrated: bring water and/or sports drink.
- Bring some money for snacks and emergencies.
- Carry a spare tube, tire levers, pump, and multi-tool.
- Ride friendly, and be aware of traffic conditions.
- Obey traffic laws. Cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists when using public roadways. For Massachusetts law on bicycling, see www.state.ma.us/legis/laws/mgl/85-11b.htm.
- Ride single file unless not obstructing traffic (never more than double file).
- Never leave anyone alone on the route. Include new members even if you have to slow your pace to help.
- Make sure everyone completes the ride safely.
- Promote a culture of safe cycling. Get some local tips from CRW.
- Have fun!
RECOMMENDED READING: For more info on safe and legal cycling, download the Group Riding Manual produced by the League of American Bicyclists (PDF, 8 pages).
Racing regulations
RIGHT: Lance Armstrong, American cycling legend and cancer survivor.
