Laws for Bicyclists in Connecticut
Spring is here and for thousands of Connecticut residents that means dusting off their bicycle, taking it to the local bike shop for a yearly tune-up and getting out on the road. As with most states, Connecticut allows cyclists to ride on public roadways. Cyclists are granted all the same rights as motorists and must abide by the same rules of the road. However, there are certain exceptions, rules, and regulations that apply to cyclists. For instance, a cyclist should ride his or her bike with the flow of traffic, as close to the right side of the road as possible. This is to allow motor vehicles an opportunity to pass a cyclist safely. Additionally, cyclists are allowed to ride two abreast (side by side) on the roadway, so long as it does not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic. Again, the purpose of this rule is to allow a car to safely pass the slower moving cyclists. While it may seem like these rules are intended to benefit a passing car, many rules are in place to protect a cyclist from the danger of cars on the roadway. Most often, a motorist who fails to follow the rules is the one responsible for causing serious accidents involving cyclists. For instance, a motorist is required to give a cyclist a minimum of 3 feet of room when passing and may only do so when it can be done safely. When passing a cyclist, a motorist may not to cut back in front of the cyclist or otherwise impede the cyclists’ ability to safely use the road. Unfortunately, many motorists do not respect the fact that they must share the roadway with cyclists and do not know of, or abide by the rules in place to protect cyclists. As a result, tragic accidents involving cyclists can occur. Therefore, knowing the laws and regulations applicable to cycling is critical in the event that you are injured by a motorist while riding your bicycle. At StangerLaw LLC, we have attorneys who are not only avid cyclists, but are also intimately familiar with these rules and regulations. Accordingly, our attorneys will be able to help you navigate your personal injury claim and help you get the results that you deserve in the event that you injured while cycling.
