N.Y. State & N.Y.C. Bike Laws
Cycling Laws in New York State and New York City
New York State and New York City both have laws and rules designed to protect cyclists, as well as to control the conduct of cyclists upon its roadways. Some of the rules are applicable in both NYC and the State, while others are not.
Below, we have compiled a list of laws and rules to help you understand those that are applicable to where you ride and to help you better understand the rules that are designed to protect you from negligent drivers. You can also click on the links below for a more complete list of rules throughout the State and City, as well as those applicable to bicycle delivery persons and Pedicabs in NYC.
New York Bike or Vehicle Laws Superseded by the Administrative Code of the City of New York
Pursuant to authority provided by §1642 of the Vehicle and Traffic Law, the following provisions of such law shall not be effective in the City of New York: §1112, 1142(b), 1150, 1151, 1152, 1153, 1156(b), 1157, 1171, 1201, 1202, and 1234.
Why Are These Rules Applicable to Cyclists?
- VTL § 1231 Bicyclists are granted all of the rights and are subject to all of the duties of the driver of a motor vehicle.
- RCNY § 4-02 (a) The provisions of N.Y.C. Traffic Rules are applicable to bicycles and their operators.
- RCNY § 4-12 (h) Cyclists involved in accidents resulting in death or injury to person or damage to property must stop and give name, address, insurance information, etc. and must report to the Police Department.
What Rules Help Protect Cyclists?
- RCNY § 4-08 (e)(9) It is against the law to park, stand or stop within, or otherwise obstruct bike lanes.
- RCNY § 4-12(p) Other vehicles shall not drive on or across bike lanes.
- RCNY § 4-12(c) It is illegal to get out of a vehicle in a manner which endangers cyclists (often referred to as "dooring").
- VTL § 1146 Drivers to exercise due care to avoid colliding with any bicyclist, upon any roadway and shall give warning by sounding the horn when necessary.
Equipment Required For Cyclists:
- VTL § 1236 (a) and (e) Bicycles must have a white headlight, a red taillight and reflectors between dusk and dawn.
- (b) Bicycles must have a bell or other audible signal
- (c) Bicycles must have working brakes.
- (d) Bicycles must have reflectors, reflective tires and/or other reflective devices.
- VTL § 375 (24)(a) Cyclists may not wear more than one earphone attached to a radio, tape player or other audio device while riding.
Rules for Children:
- VTL § 1238 (a) Children under 14 but older than 5 must wear an approved helmet.
- (b) A child under one is not permitted to ride on a bicycle.
- (c) A child one or more years of age, but less than 5, must wear an approved helmet and be carried in a properly affixed child carrier.
Cycling for Work? - Delivery and Other Commercial Purposes:
- AC § 10-157 Bicycles used for commercial purposes.
- Working cyclists must wear business identifying information on bike and body, including operator's identification number.
- Business must provide working cyclist with a helmet, according to A.N.S.I. or Snell standards.
- Working cyclists shall wear the helmet provided by business.
- Working cyclists must carry, and produce upon demand, a numbered ID card that includes operator's photo, name, home address, and business' name, address, and phone number.
- Working cyclists must abide by all equipment requirements stated in VTL 1236.
- Business must maintain log book that includes the name, identification number and place of residence of each working cyclist; and the date of employment and discharge. The log book must also include information on daily trips, identifying the working cyclist's identification number and name; and name, place of origin, and destination. Owner of business must file an annual report with the Police Department identifying the number of bicycles it owns, the identification number, and identity or any employees.
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"Daniel and his team made what was a stressful situation much less overwhelming"After being hit on my bike, Daniel and his team made what was a stressful situation much less overwhelming. Daniel himself explained everything thoroughly and I felt supported throughout the whole process with followup from his team. Super grateful to have found Daniel and wouldn't hesitate to recommend him.- Cody
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"Phenomenal Team!"The team here is nothing short of phenomenal. I reached out about my case on a Sunday afternoon from the hospital and we spoke before the evening was over. Since then, they have been happy to answer any question I have, and walked me through the entire process from handling my no-fault insurance to ultimately getting a settlement offer.
To any cyclist in search of a lawyer who understands the challenges of biking in this city, look no further than Daniel and his team.- Conor -
"I am grateful to her and her firm for their expertise and diligence."Almost 4 years ago I was struck by a delivery truck while on my bike and suffered a shattered wrist. Cathy Flanzig guided me through the process of bringing a suit against the company that owned the truck and the driver. Ms. Flanzig was professional and compassionate and realistic throughout the whole process. I am grateful to her and her firm for their expertise and diligence.- Kathe D.
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"Combination of legal expertise with a compassionate approach"If you are in search of a lawyer who combines legal expertise with a compassionate approach to client care, look no further than Daniel Flanzig and his team at Flanzig and Flanzig. From start to finish, Daniel not only holds an impressive depth of legal knowledge, especially in bicycle laws, but also a remarkable commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for me. Daniel took the time to thoroughly understand the nuances of my case, patiently listened to my concerns, and provided clear, concise explanations of the legal strategies available. This level of transparency and communication instilled a sense of confidence and reassurance during what was initially a daunting process. I highly recommend him for anyone seeking top-tier legal representation.- Runa R.
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"Supported me since DAY ONE of my 2.5 year journey!"Daniel Flanzig was with me on DAY ONE of my 2.5 year journey through the fractured legal system following a serious bicycle accident which left me with two broken wrists. The thirteen day hospital stay included surgeries on both, titanium plates implanted on both, and a severe challenge to my mental health and way of life. Unfortunately, I needed two
more surgeries on the significantly more damaged right wrist. Dan navigated me through the strained New York City Medical System, still struggling in late 2021 from the wrath of COVID. When the lawsuit needed to be moved to New Jersey, Dan seamlessly transferred the case to Joseph G. Hughes. Both men proved to be upstanding attorneys and outstanding human beings, emotionally invested in my traumatic, drawn-out experience, and committed to reaching the settlement deserved. After matters were resolved by Mr. Hughes, I received a call from Dan, closing this chapter of our time together, but cementing a lifelong connection filled with the utmost respect and gratitude.- Marty Keiser -
"Helped me through a difficult time with great results!"I recently suffered a grievous injury being struck by a drunk driver while cycling, when dealing with short-term disability, hospital bills, and all manner of associated paperwork I received care and support from the lawyers at Flanzig & Flanzig. Can't recommend their services enough, they really helped me through a difficult time with great results!- Brandon W.
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Rules for you while you ride in NYC
- RCNY § 4-12 (p) Bicyclists may ride on either side of one-way roadways that are at least 40 feet wide.
- RCNY § 4-12 (p) Bicyclists should ride in usable bike lanes, unless they are blocked or unsafe for any reason.
- VTL § 1234 Cyclists must ride by the right hand curb and no more than two abreast. Does not apply in new York City. It is specifically superseded by 34 RCNY 4-02 (e).
- AC § 19-176 Bicycles ridden on sidewalks may be confiscated and riders may be subject to legal sanctions (see also: RCNY § 4-07(c)(3)).
- RCNY § 4-07 (c)(3) No driving bikes on sidewalks, unless sign allows or wheels are less than 26 inches in diameter and rider is twelve years or younger (see also: AC § 19-176).
- RCNY § 4-14 (c) No person shall ride a bicycle in any park, except in places designated for bike riding; but persons may push bikes in single file to and from such places, except on beaches and boardwalks.
- RCNY § 4-12 (o) Bicycles are prohibited on expressways, drives, highways, interstate routes, bridges, and thruways unless authorized by signs.
- VTL § 1237 When turn signals are required, left turns shall be signaled with the left hand, and right turns may be signaled with either hand.
- VTL § 1233 Clinging to vehicles, or attaching bike to another vehicle being operated on a roadway is prohibited.
- RCNY § 4-12 (e) Cyclists must have at least one hand on handlebars at all times.
- VTL § 1232 Cyclists must ride on a permanent seat, feet must be on pedals, and bike must carry only the number of persons for which it is designed and equipped.
If you have any other questions or concerns regarding the rules and regulations of cycling in New York City, New York State, Long Island, or Westchester, feel free to contact us at (888) 290-5994.
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