Pennsylvania Bicycle Laws

Under Pennsylvania bike laws, a bicycle has similar rights and responsibilities to any other vehicle that can transport people or their belongings. However, not all road users are equally aware of this. Moreover, those familiar with the statutes often forget them.

When you know the law, it is easier to protect your life and ensure your right to compensation. At Bicycle Accident Lawyers Group, we understand the challenges that modern cyclists face in Pennsylvania. Should the undesirable happen, we can help you get back on your feet.

Why Choose Us:

• Free consultation
• Millions recovered for injured cyclists
• No fee until we win

Call us or fill out the website form to speak with a lawyer today.

What Traffic Laws Apply to Cyclists in Pennsylvania?

Often, people, especially drivers, assume that if you ride a bike, you must follow special rules that have nothing to do with motor vehicles. However, since bicycles are legally recognized as vehicles in the state, cyclists have to abide by the same traffic rules and regulations as other operators. Most of the time, this is the case. The statutes include a few differences and nuances to protect vulnerable road users.

Key laws governing cyclists in Pennsylvania:

• § 3501. Applicability of traffic laws to pedalcycles (enacted 1977)
• § 3505. Riding on roadways and pedalcycle paths (amended 2012)
• § 3508. Pedalcycles on sidewalks and pedalcycle paths (enacted 1976)
• § 3514. Operation of cycles with electric assist (amended 2014)
• § 3507. Lamps and other equipment on pedal cycles (amended 1998)
• § 3510. Pedalcycle helmets for certain persons (amended 2004)
• § 3303. Overtaking vehicle on the left (amended 2012)
• § 3705. Opening and closing vehicle doors (enacted 1976)

Like any other rules, these regulations have been passed to prevent dangerous situations on the road, but they can also protect you in case of an accident.

What Rights Do Cyclists Have Under Pennsylvania Law?

Pennsylvania law grants bicyclists unobstructed access to most roads and pathways. The riders are legally recognized as drivers, so they must obey traffic signs and signals. The state vehicle code — the PA Vehicle Code (Title 75) — ensures that bicyclists are well protected.

There are different regulations, including but not limited to helmet laws, which may apply to a certain age group. In Pennsylvania, it is critical that a rider knows their rights, since it helps to understand when someone violates them.

Cyclists Can Use Public Roads

A bicycle is no less of a vehicle than any other car on the road. That is why riders in Pennsylvania can use shared lanes without the fear that they are doing something wrong. Drivers have no legal right to intimidate or repress riders while both share public roads.

The only exception to cycling would be freeways. Bike riders aren’t allowed there. High speeds and a lack of protection put vulnerable road users under palpable risk.

Right to Full Lane Use

Can a bicyclist ride in the middle of a lane? Most drivers would answer ‘no’ and claim that cyclists must keep as close to the right of the road as possible. While you have the right to bike in the middle of the road, it is not because you feel like it. A rider can take the full lane when there are various obstacles in their path. The same is true about turning and avoiding dangerous situations.

Right-of-Way in Crosswalks and Bike Lanes

Everyone has their turn on the roads of Pennsylvania; otherwise, the traffic would be pure chaos. A bicyclist legally owes the right of passage to pedestrians (§ 3508). No matter if you are on a sidewalk, bike path, or crosswalk — pedestrians come first.

Cyclists also have the right of way. When you share the road with motor vehicles or are about to make a turn, drivers are obliged to yield. However, it is important to remember that you should always warn pedestrians and other road users about your approach or change in direction.

Safe Passing

Even a quick brush with a car mirror or a sudden draft can compromise the rider’s balance. That is why the state of Pennsylvania adopted a 4-feet-passing law in 2012 (§ 3303(a)(3)). The main aim of the regulation is to ensure that drivers leave sufficient space between themselves and cyclists during overtaking maneuvers. If a motorist fails to comply with the law, they may face fines, license points, and civil liability punishments. The severity of the penalty depends on the consequences of the act.

Other Cyclist Rights

Adult bicyclists have the right to decide whether or not they want to wear a protective helmet. While that is the rule across most states in the US, in Pennsylvania, the statute directly forbids using the absence of a helmet at the moment of the accident as evidence that can contribute to negligence charges (§ 3510(c)).

Cyclists Have the Same Rights as Motorists in Pennsylvania

Bicyclists aren’t second-class road users in Pennsylvania. This statement is backed up by the legal statutes of the state. That is why, if you’ve been hurt in a bike accident or sustained any other losses, you have the right to full compensation for your damages. 

You can file a relevant claim and have a legal assistant help you win the case even if it goes to trial. Don’t listen to anyone who tries to convince you that the rights on two wheels are limited as opposed to those available for operators on four wheels.

What Responsibilities Do Cyclists Have Under Pennsylvania Law?

You should never forget that all riders have important duties, not just their rights. Every cyclist must not only abide by state-approved traffic laws, but also ride well-equipped vehicles and respect others on the road. Such a conscious approach will help you protect yourself in unpredictable situations, both physically and legally.

Disclaimer: Use this overview for informational purposes only. In case you need legal advice on an individual claim, you should consult a qualified lawyer.

Obeying Traffic Signals and Signs

This one may sound overly obvious since we’ve already established that all bicyclists have to follow existing traffic regulations, signs, and devices. However, before you underestimate this duty, let’s imagine a situation. You are riding through a seemingly quiet street, ignoring a stop sign. When a car appears, you have no time to react and get yourself into an accident. The law will treat it as negligence on your part, and that will affect the outcome of your potential claim.

Riding With the Flow of Traffic

In Pennsylvania, cyclists are required to ride in the same direction as motor vehicles. Yes, sometimes biking in the opposite direction can get you somewhere you are headed faster, but it is illegal. Why? Mainly because many drivers do not expect a bicyclist coming toward them. This creates confusion. Even a secondary lapse in understanding what’s going on can lead to serious head-on collisions.

Using Hand Signals When Turning or Stopping

Even if you aren’t an active bicyclist, it doesn’t take long to realize the vehicle isn’t equipped with any turning signals. Does it mean that you don’t need them? Absolutely not. It means that you are obliged to use your hands to show other users that you are about to change your direction. For instance:

These simple gestures have saved lives multiple times.

Yielding to Pedestrians

Sidewalks can be shared by both pedestrians and cyclists in Pennsylvania, but the latter are rather guests here. This means that pedestrians have the right of way, and riders must always yield. How does it look in real life? 

If you are sharing the path or crosswalk with a pedestrian, you should slow down as you approach the person, ring your bell, or give any other audible sound to warn them about your presence, and then proceed with the overtaking maneuver if allowed; if not, wait until it’s clear to move on.

Riding No More Than Two Abreast

If you enjoy riding in company, you must know that it is legal in Pennsylvania. The state law allows riding two abreast. However, there are two major conditions: only if the width of the lane suffices, and you’re not obstructing the traffic. If you are on a narrow street, you should move single-file when there are other vehicles approaching. This will help you avoid unnecessary conflicts and stay out of trouble.

Using a Fixed Seat and Proper Equipment

Since the state law treats a bicycle as a rightful vehicle, you should think of it as a mini car. It would be foolish and dangerous to drive a car without functioning brakes and lights, wouldn’t it? Also, you may not want to drive around without a seat or overload the vehicle with more passengers than it is designed to transport. 

The situation with bicycles mirrors all these requirements. It is illegal to cycle without a fixed seat, operating brakes, lights, and reflectors intact (§ 3507). Extra passengers? Not allowed. Two or more people on a bike can throw it off balance and leading to a traumatic collision.

Maintaining at Least One Hand on Handlebars

It may be tempting to show off your cycling skills by riding without touching the handlebars. Yet, such a seemingly innocent act can result in fines and penalties. All because it is illegal in Pennsylvania (§ 3506). The state law mandates that a rider keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times.

This is more than a rational duty. Think about it — you’re riding in a busy lane, raise both of your hands to adjust your backpack, the vehicle swerves, and you get under the wheels of the upcoming traffic. Even with one hand on the handlebars, you can prevent a serious accident.

Where Can I Ride My Bike in Pennsylvania?

There’s one place in Pennsylvania where you can’t ride a bike — a freeway. Other public roads are perfectly accessible to cyclists. The state does not require bicyclists to stick to dedicated lanes solely. So, you can share the lane with cars, share the sidewalk with pedestrians, and share a bicycle path with other riders.

When it comes to positioning, in most cases, the rider has to keep to the far right of the road. Yet, this does not mean that you should compromise your safety just to comply with the state rules. You can ride in the lane’s center if there are potholes, drains, debris, or other obstacles. The state prioritizes bicyclists’ safety at all times.

Sometimes, state rules can be overpowered by local ordinances. For instance, even though it is legally allowed to ride on a sidewalk in Pennsylvania, some cities and towns may prohibit the activity in certain areas. Typically, the rule applies to business districts, but there may be local exceptions. So, when cycling in a new place, be on the lookout for signs that will inform you about those. Moreover, numerous forest roads and trails are unsuitable for biking. Once again, the corresponding sign will inform you.

What Traffic Laws Apply to Cyclists in Pennsylvania?

Every law that applies to motor vehicle operators applies to bicyclists, too. If you see a stop sign or red light, you halt. When there’s a pedestrian in front of you, you let them pass. The same goes for other traffic rules. You are part of the traffic, not outside it. If you believe you can circumvent some of the regulations, we will present a scenario that could potentially deter you from doing so. Imagine that you ignore a stop sign at an intersection. A mere moment of negligence can result in serious injuries. In fact, rolling through stop signs is one of the leading causes of major bike-car crashes in the country.

Even though you are on a bicycle, you can claim the whole lane. Whether you are about to make a left turn or avoid a pile of construction debris, you can ride in the middle of the lane. No one can accuse you of illegal behavior on the road. It is your legal right. Care to ride side-by-side with a friend or partner? You can do that too. However, the lane you occupy must be spacious enough for the purpose.

One of the traffic rules that does not necessarily apply to other road users is the use of headphones. The thing is that in Pennsylvania, you must be able to hear the surrounding traffic while on the road. That is why you can only have one earbud in your ear, not two (§ 3314). Not only is complete noise isolation dangerous, but it is also illegal in the state.

Lastly, there’s another regulation that many riders don’t realize applies to them — Driving Under the Influence. Since you’re not technically driving, you’re in the clear, right? Wrong. In Pennsylvania, DUI rules concern impaired cyclists, too. So, if you’re heading out for a few drinks, it is best to leave both your car and your bicycle at home. The penalties for intoxicated operation can be quite hefty, including fines, imprisonment, and public service (§ 3802).

Required Bicycle Equipment and Safety Gear in Pennsylvania

When riding a bike, the law requires that your vehicle be well-equipped and road-ready. While some accessories may be optional, there’s a list of gear that ensures that you explore the state trails legally:

Helmets and bright clothing would make a great addition to the safety gear list. These two items can truly turn the tables on preventing an accident or reducing its traumatic impact. However, riding without those does not fall under the ‘illegal’ category.

What Is Prohibited When Cycling in Pennsylvania?

Some bicyclist actions can lead to severe consequences, which is why the state clearly forbids doing the following:

• Clinging to other vehicles: It is illegal to attach oneself to a car or any other moving vehicle. All it takes is sudden braking or swerving to get into a crash (§ 3711).
• Carry passengers: Most bicycles are designed for a single rider, although in theory, they can transport two people. Well, you’d better not test that theory. Sure, it seems practical or sounds fun. However, another person on the handlebars will affect the bike’s balance and can lead to a traumatic fall (§ 3504(b)).
• Carry objects: No one says that you can’t transport personal belongings on a bicycle. The law refers to items that can obstruct your vision or force you to take both hands off the handlebars (§ 3506).

These restrictions do not aim to rob you of anything. They focus on making sure that you get to your destination in one piece.

Can You Get a DUI on a Bicycle in Pennsylvania?

Yes, you can, and you will get a DUI in Pennsylvania even if you are not behind your car’s wheel. Since the state statute views bicycles as vehicles, cycling after a couple of shots can be legally risky. Why? Because, while you may not lose your driver’s license, you face fines up to $5000 and jail time up to two years. Surely, the punishment may not be that harsh for the first offense, but it gets worse with every subsequent charge.

Local City-Specific Bicycle Laws in Pennsylvania

As you leaf through and memorize the main statewide biking laws in Pennsylvania, you should leave some room for local regulations. Yes, you’ve read it right — sometimes local codes differ, and it is a great practice to consult city ordinances before you head out for a ride. The way city authorities handle helmet, sidewalk, and other rules depends on the local situation, and what’s safe in one area may be quite dangerous in another. Let’s take a closer look at how major municipalities handle bike laws in Pennsylvania.

Pittsburgh Bicycle Laws

Pittsburgh laws closely mimic those approved by the state. Local riders have access to most roads and paths, including sidewalks (except in business districts), and must cycle according to existing traffic signs and give way to pedestrians. There are various organizations that actively advocate for riders’ safety in the city. For instance, nonprofit BikePGH gives out lights to cyclists who do not have them. The Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, in its turn, educates kids on the importance of wearing a bike helmet.

Philadelphia Bicycle Laws

The city of Philadelphia also takes bicycling seriously. Its recent Vision Zero plan is pretty ambitious since it aims to take a major leap and eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries by 2030. At the same time, the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia helps local and tourist riders plan safer routes through bike maps, classes, and different partnerships.

Allentown Bicycle Laws

Not so long ago, in the spring of 2025, Allentown authorities decided that local ordinances must be in perfect sync with statewide codes. It is believed that the approach will help to promote citizen safety and rule out unnecessary confusion. Among major updates, starting from April 2025, riders have to ride five feet from the curb, and equip their vehicle with lights that can be spotted from a 5-foot distance. On top of that, from now on, minor violations are punishable with a $10 fine, no imprisonment charges in sight.

Erie Bicycle Laws

Scenic landscapes of Erie appeal to local bike riders, and they aren’t the onlyfor a great reason. To top it offMoreover, the city’s motto is — safety above all. The city ordinances correlate with state-approved rules, but there are a few critical exceptions. First of all, it is not allowed to ride on sidewalks in Erie. Moreover, all riders are expected to ride in a single file. If a bicyclist decides to disobey these or any other regulations, they will be subject to a monetary fine of $25.

Harrisburg Bicycle Laws

The city of Harrisburg may not be that peculiar from a bike law perspective, but it certainly deserves your attention for its safety initiatives. Not only did the local government launch a Vision Zero plan in 2018, but it also presented a 20-mile trail — the Capital Area Greenbelt — that wraps around the city and enhances riders’ safety. On top of that, the municipality has an active SusqueCycle bike-sharing program, which promotes biking as an alternative mode of commuting.

Pennsylvania Electric Bicycle Laws

Under which category do ebikes fall in Pennsylvania? Are they bicycles or motor vehicles? The former. As long as your ebike does not have a motor stronger than 750 watts or can go faster than 20mph, you will have to follow the same rules and regulations as traditional bicyclists in the area.

The state does not require a valid license, registration, or insurance for this type of vehicle at the moment. However, there is a specific age requirement. Cyclists under 16 years old aren’t permitted to operate the vehicle. Also, it is never a waste to check local ordinances to learn if there are city-specific laws and restrictions intact that may get you in trouble.

Do I Need a Driver’s License to Ride a Bicycle in Pennsylvania?

No, you do not need a special license to operate a bicycle, regular or electric, in Pennsylvania. The fact that a bicycle is legally defined as a vehicle does not automatically make it a car (§ 102). Bikes are propelled by human power, not by motor vehicles, at least not solely in the case of electric-assist bicycles. Riding without a driver’s license won’t get you in trouble as long as you abide by the state laws and regulations.

Bike Laws in Other States

Is there a one-for-all bicyclist safety doctrine across the country? Technically, yes — it aims to eliminate rider fatality and serious injuries. However, in reality, each state has the power to reinstate local rules and regulations. While it may sound disappointing, it is a necessary precaution. The thing is, a state’s population, its exact location, and road designs aren’t the same. That is why urban states may reinforce the use of safety gear and equipment, while rural ones prioritize visibility and road-sharing ordinances.

To give you a practical example, let’s compare Georgia, New York, and Washington to Pennsylvania’s rules. In Georgia, unlike in Pennsylvania, riders are banned from sidewalks. In the state of New York, all cyclists under 14 must wear a helmet; in Pennsylvania, the threshold is 12. In Pennsylvania, you can get a DUI for biking impaired, but in Washington, the worst that can happen is a police officer escorting you home.

Car Driver Responsibilities Related to Cyclists

While cyclists and motorists share the same roads, drivers bear a heavier duty of care — simply because a car can do more harm. Under Pennsylvania statutes, drivers must leave at least 4 feet when passing a bicycle and reduce speed if needed. Before opening a door, both the operator and their passengers have to check for approaching cyclists to prevent devastating ‘dooring’ crashes. Also, yielding to cyclists in bike lanes or on turns isn’t courtesy — it’s the law.

Most Common Injuries of Cyclists

No matter the type of accident, physics is never on the cyclist’s side. While a minor crash can end up in a few scrapes and bruises, often motor collisions result in serious head injury, broken bones, and spinal cord trauma. These injuries have a lasting effect and, in the worst cases, leave a permanent imprint on the victim.

Let’s not forget that not all traumas can be noticed with the naked eye. Emotional distress affects a person’s perception of life and decreases its quality tremendously. That is why Pennsylvania law gives cyclists the same legal protection as motorists after a crash.

Common Bicycle Accident Types in Pennsylvania

No two accidents are the same, but certain patterns have the tendency to repeat. If you know about these patterns, it may be easier to avoid potentially dangerous situations. In Pennsylvania, these types of collisions prevail:

• Intersection incidents: All it takes is not to check for a cyclist next to you or to assume that it is a driver who has the right of way for a serious accident to happen.
• Rear-end crashes: Once you underestimate the speed of the car or simply get distracted by a device or a conversation with your passengers, you can ram into a bicyclist in front.
• Dooring collisions: The fact that you’ve parked your vehicle does not mean that you are free of your duties. It is illegal to exit the car without checking for other road users approaching. A suddenly opened car door can send a rider right under the wheels of the traffic.
• Road defect accidents: Sometimes, it does not take another vehicle to get into a crash. A loose drain lip, a deep pothole, or debris on the road can affect the bike’s stability or lead to irrational maneuvers that end up with a cyclist on the ground, if not worse.

Even the most cautious riders sometimes get hurt. The key here is to know your rights and legal options. A consultation with a Pennsylvania bicycle accident attorney will guide you in the right direction!

Pennsylvania Bike Accident Statistics

Recent data from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reports that bicycle crashes made up over 1% of all traffic accidents in 2024. Moreover, cyclist fatalities made up almost 2% of all traffic deaths recorded across the state over the same period. This means that the number of bike collisions has been on the rise since 2022.

Most collisions took place at intersections — 64% — meaning that drivers in Pennsylvania continue to ignore the right-of-way rule. Unfortunately, children remain among the most vulnerable road users. Five out of nineteen fatalities recorded in the area in 2024 were riders under 20.

Although over 70% of all bicycle crashes occur in broad daylight, over 50% of deadly incidents happen during the darker hours of the day. So, you wouldn’t want to play down the importance of proper lighting and reflective clothing when cycling in the state.

Lastly, over 60% of bicyclist fatalities and almost 50% of rider injuries take place on non-interstate roads. Which means that even familiar routes can become dangerous when drivers crowd cyclists or ignore the four-foot passing law. Overall, there’s a fair share of improvements that the state authorities should focus on to make local roads safer for bicyclists. 

Pennsylvania Cycling Safety Programs

Pennsylvania was ranked 19th on the bicycle-friendly state report in 2024, and there’s more than one reason for that. Both state and local authorities have designed and implemented various programs and plans aimed at enhancing bicyclists’ safety in the area. For instance, most recently, PennDOT organized a related event for children in Williamsport. The main goal was to promote helmet use, hand signals, and other safety measures among children. On top of that, the state also funds a Safe Routes to School initiative.

Various local clubs and organizations also help promote rider safety across the state. The Lancaster Bicycle Club offers Smart Cycling classes, and Penn State University spreads the word on safe cycling habits, bicyclists’ rights, and law violations.

Free Legal Consultation

If you’ve been injured in a biking accident in Pennsylvania, your losses can and should be compensated in full. Contact our legal team for a free, no-obligation case review to learn your options and protect your legal rights! 

Sources

• Pennsylvania General Assembly: CHAPTER 35 SPECIAL VEHICLES AND PEDESTRIANS
• Title 75, Section 3303 – PA General Assembly
• Pennsylvania Statutes Title 75 Pa.C.S.A. Vehicles § 3705. Opening and closing vehicle doors
• Know Your Rights
• 75 Pa.C.S.A. Vehicles § 3508 Pedalcycles on sidewalks and pedalcycle paths
• Title 75 Pa.C.S.A. Vehicles § 3303. Overtaking a vehicle on the left
• Pennsylvania General Assembly: § 3510. Pedalcycle helmets for certain persons
• Title 75 Pa.C.S.A. Vehicles § 3507. Lamps and other equipment on pedalcycles
• Pennsylvania General Assembly: § 3506. Articles carried by the operator
• 3314. Prohibiting the use of hearing impairment devices
• 75 Pa.C.S.A. Vehicles § 3802. Driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance
• Title 75 – VEHICLES Chapter 35 – Special Vehicles and Pedestrians Section 3506 – Articles carried by operator
• Title 75 Pa.C.S.A. Vehicles § 3711. Unauthorized persons and devices hanging on vehicles
• Title 75 – VEHICLES Chapter 35 – Special Vehicles and Pedestrians Section 3504 – Riding on cycles
• Commonwealth of Pennsylvania: .08 DUI Legislation
• UPMC Children’s Hospital
• Operation Illumination Bike Light Giveaways
• Vision Zero Philadelphia
• Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia
• Allentown Public Safety Committee updates bicycle regulations to align with state code
• City of Erie, PA Bicycle Licensing and Operation – eCode360
• Harrisburg Vision Zero
• Take a Ride: Bike share is back in Harrisburg with six locations and more to come
• Pennsylvania E-Bike Laws 2025
• Title 75 Pa.C.S.A. Vehicles § 102. Definitions
• The Official Website of the City of New York: Bike Helmets
• Bicycle Safety and Pennsylvania Laws
• Governor’s Office of Highway Safety in Georgia: Laws About Bicycles and Bicycling
• RCW 46.61.790 Intoxicated bicyclists
• Pennsylvania Crash Facts & Statistics 2024
• PennDOT, Safety Partners Host Bicycle Safety Event in Williamsport
• What is the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program?
• Smart Cycling
• Bicycle Education and Enforcement Program
• State Ranking and Report Cards

Posted by Robert Goldwater

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.

All articles by Robert Goldwater