In Pennsylvania, a bicycle is considered a vehicle, and you must obey all of the laws that apply to other vehicles as well as to bicycle-specific rules about safety, parking, and signaling. In the realm of DUI law, this means you can be pulled over and have your person tested for intoxicants, even if you are riding your bike! In this article, we will discuss some of the most major state laws and rules regarding bicycles. We hope this primer will help you avoid situations that might lead to a cop pulling you over on your bike.
Traffic Laws
If you ride in violation of the traffic laws, you greatly increase your risk of a crash, and will likely be found at fault in the event of an accident. So, you must follow all traffic lights and street signs. It also means you need to use proper hand signals when turning and/or stopping.
Failure to obey a traffic law gives the police an opportunity to halt your ride. If you get stopped and you have been drinking, you are at risk to be charged with DUI.
Streets and Freeways
In order for DUI laws to apply to bicycle riders, the bike has to be in motion on a public street. Parking lots, driveways, or private roads are exceptions. Also, bicycles are not permitted on freeways in Pennsylvania without permission of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
Safety Equipment
Here are the most important rules:
- Brakes must be in working order. What is working order? They must be able to stop the bike 15 feet from an initial speed of 15 mph on dry, level pavement.
- For nighttime travel, your bike must be equipped with a front lamp, rear and side reflectors that are visible from at least 500 feet.
- Anyone under the age of 12 is required by law to wear an approved helmet. This applies to anyone operating the bicycle, riding as a passenger or riding in an attached restraining seat or trailer.
DUI-Specific Information
We already know PA law considers a bicycle as a vehicle in the same way it considers a car. We also know you could be held liable for any damages that result from a bicycle accident where you were deemed at fault. For DUIs, you can have your driver’s license suspended if you are pulled over on a bicycle and prove to be intoxicated via a chemical test.
It’s also important to note there is no separate set of rules for bike-riders who refuse the chemical test. In fact, refusal means an automatic 12- or 18-month mandatory suspension of your Pennsylvania driving privileges, depending on whether it was your first DUI or your first time refusing.
Want to Know More?
We recently posted a video on our youtube channel that discusses this topic and gives a real-life example from one of our recent DUI cases. Also, the state has posted a website (http://www.pacommutes.com/biking/safety-and-laws/) that discusses bicycle safety and laws in detail.
Summary
We want everyone in the Philadelphia area to be as safe and secure as possible. If you have been drinks, the best move is to avoid driving a vehicle, whether it is a car or a bike.
If you have unfortunately been hurt by someone riding a bike when they should not have been, we urge you to contact us. We’ll discuss your case free of charge and help you determine possible next steps.
Our promise is to deliver outstanding customer service and our motto is: More Service than You Would Expect.
– Joe Mitchell, Philadelphia Accident Attorney
