Riding a bike offers the undeniable freedom and captivating thrill of adventure. However, everything comes with a set of rules, especially if you want to protect yourself. The scenic panoramas of Arizona are worth exploring, but you must learn major bicycle laws to navigate the state safely and legally.
Not to mention that growing rates of bike accidents all over the country are a pressing concern for many local governments, and Arizona isn’t an exception. In fact, recent Arizona bicycle accident statistics indicate that over 40 people lost their lives participating in their favorite activity — cycling.
There’s always room for bicyclists’ errors dictated by unfamiliarity with local regulations. Let’s try to minimize the chance, shall we?
Major Must-Know Arizona Bicycle Laws
There’s more than a handful of Arizona bicycle laws to keep in your mental saddlebag. However, the primary rules go as follows:
- Always keep to your far right as long as it is safe and practicable.
- Make sure you are visible on the road, and don’t be shy about wearing bright clothes.
- Although most helmet laws Arizona abides by vary from municipality to municipality, quality gear is never a waste.
- The sidewalk isn’t always legal, and you can get a ticket for using it as a full-on bike lane.
- Exploit your bicycle the way it is intended; don’t take passengers if the vehicle’s build does not allow it.
- Use hand signals to alert other road users about any significant change of direction.
What Is the Legal Definition of a “Bicycle” in Arizona
If it looks like a bicycle and operates like a bicycle, it must be a bicycle. Well, not quite. The legal definition of a ‘bicycle’ according to Arizona law may be slightly different from the image of the discussed vehicle that pops into your mind. According to the official definition provided by Section 28-101(10) of Arizona Revised Statutes, a bicycle is:
A human-powered vehicle, including racing wheelchairs, has either two wheels, each of which is more than 16 inches in diameter, or three wheels, all contacting the ground and at least one over 16 inches in diameter.
Is this definition different from how you would describe an average bicycle? The chances are that it is. Moreover, such a legal outline of the vehicle implies the following:
- Children’s bikes that have wheels smaller than 16 inches in diameter do not qualify as bicycles in Arizona.
- At the same time, e-bikes equipped with operable pedals and electric motors fall under the category of bicycles by Arizona law.
- Lastly, wheelchairs and tricycles are also bicycles.
- Being aware of these legal nuances can help you understand your rights and build a solid case should the need arise.
Section 28-811: Parent and Guardian Responsibility
The fact that Arizona bicycle laws do not apply to young bicyclists does not mean that no one will bear responsibility for potential violations. Once the child breaks the law riding a bicycle on a highway or in the bike lane anywhere across the state, their parents or legal guardians will be held accountable.
The section stresses that no parent or legal guardian should knowingly allow or encourage the child to disobey existing laws. Moreover, restrictions exist to promote safe riding habits and raise awareness of individual liability from a young age.
Section 28-812: Traffic Laws and Regulations
Arizona law states that a person riding a bicycle on the roadway or on an adjacent shoulder acquires all the rights of any other motor vehicle operator. At the same time, bicyclists have to follow all the rules and traffic regulations applicable to drivers. Failing to do so may lead to a traffic citation. In case a cyclist’s reckless behavior leads to a serious accident, they can be held accountable for it.
It is worth noting that traffic violations won’t result in the loss of a driver’s license if a rider has one. Can the violation be taken into consideration by an auto insurer when it comes to policyholder rate calculations?
However, such a violation can and most likely will affect the Bicycle accident settlement in Phoenix, AZ, or any part of the state if the cyclist contributed to a collision.
Section 28-813: Riding Bicycles
The laws of Arizona not only outline where you can ride but also how you should do it. There are two primary points to consider:
- A rider must use a regular yet permanent seat.
- The number of people in the vehicle should not exceed the limit for which it is designed and equipped.
- To make things a little clearer, you can sit on your bicycle seat while you ride, or you can stand with your feet on the pedals — any other position would be viewed as unlawful. Moreover, you can’t transport passengers unless your vehicle is equipped with a child’s seat or an additional seat.
Section 28-814: Clinging to Other Vehicles
Although bicyclists share most of the rights that motor vehicle operators have, a bicycle can’t be towed. It is against Arizona law to attach yourself to any other vehicle under no conditions. Clinging to any moving vehicle can lead to an extremely dangerous situation when the rider loses control of their bike and falls under the wheels of upcoming traffic. Every ride must be independent. No exceptions and no shortcuts.
Section 28-815: Riding on Roadways and Bicycle Paths
Bicyclists in Arizona can use both roadways and designated bike lanes to get from one place to another. However, where exactly are you allowed to ride? Can you take a full lane? Arizona bicycle laws have answers to these questions, although they may not be as simple as many would like them to be.
First things first, a rider must stick to the furthest right side of the lane as practicable. However, sometimes there are exceptions, and in this case, there are more than just a few. A bicyclist can assume an alternative position on the road when:
- They are passing or taking over other road users.
- They are about to make a left turn.
- They have to avoid obstacles on the road.
- The lane is too narrow to share with any other road user or vehicle.
Section 28-816: Carrying Articles on a Bicycle
Using your bike to go grocery shopping or pick up food from a nearby take-out place seems like a sensible thing to do. But is it a legal thing to do? Well, Arizona bicycle laws do not prohibit carrying something as long as you have at least one hand on the handlebars. If you can carry groceries, your phone, or any other object or item in one hand and maintain perfect control of the vehicle with the other, you are safe to go.
The main reason behind this regulation is to minimize instances when cyclists lose balance or can’t react to a traffic situation on time due to being preoccupied with carrying different articles that require both hands.
Section 28-817: Bicycle Equipment Laws
The fact that your bicycle has two wheels and handlebars isn’t enough for a safe operation on the roads of Arizona. Statewide laws have a few equipment requirements to comply with to navigate the streets without potential legal implications. For instance:
- All bicycles must be equipped with front headlights that emit white light noticeable from 500 feet.
- Every bike driven during the dark time of the day has to have red rear reflectors approved by the Arizona Department of Transportation, visible from up to 300 feet. Red rear lights are admissible but not mandated by Arizona law.
- However, equipping your bike with sirens and whistles is explicitly prohibited.
- All bikes must have a fully functional braking system.
- To fully abide by existing E-bike rules in AZ, an electric bicycle must be equipped with a motor that is under 700 watts.
Bicycle Helmet Laws in Arizona
While some states impose strict helmet-use regulations that apply to cyclists statewide, Arizona bicycle helmet laws can be described as flexible. The local authorities gave local municipalities the right to decide how to deal with the subject depending on the safety situation in the area.
For example, in Arizona cities such as Tucson, Sierra Vista, and Yuma, all bicyclists under 18 must wear a protective helmet. Other communities leave it to the bicycle riders to decide how protected they want to be on the road.
Practical Tips to Smart-Cycle in Arizona
Quality sunscreen isn’t the only protection you may need when crossing the scenic roads of Arizona. There are a few effective tips that may boost your safety on a different level:
- Follow Arizona bicycle laws and ride in the same direction as the rest of the traffic.
- Use a bike lane when available.
- Pay increased attention to traffic at intersections and driveways.
- Use a backpack or a bike basket to transport your goods and keep your hands where they belong — on the handlebars.
- If you get involved in a cycling accident, no matter how minor it seems, call a Phoenix bicycle accident lawyer for a free assessment of the case.
Been in a Cycling Incident in Arizona? Contact Us for a FREE Consultation Today!
Riding in a designated bike lane and abiding by local laws does not always guarantee a safe journey. If you or your loved ones have been in an accident, don’t let this mishap throw your life off course! Contact our legal experts in Arizona for a free case assessment, and together, we will find the shortest route to success and the settlement that you deserve.
Should you decide to fight this battle on your own, use our free online bicycle accident compensation calculator to be sure that you are moving in the right direction!
If you’re a cyclist who has been in an accident, call today for a free initial consult about your legal claim. We’re here to help with your legal questions. Contact our law firm for coast-to-coast bike accident and personal injury representation.
Since his academic days at the UC Berkeley School of Law, Robert Goldwater has remained a committed advocate for victims of other people’s negligence. His tort law background, together with his unquenchable thirst for justice, helped young Robert found a now-successful law firm – Bicycle Accident Lawyers Group, gathering same-minded and promising attorneys from all over the country.
