Are Bikes Allowed On The Road? Read Before Taking Your First Ride

What is your favorite vehicle when traveling on the road? Bikes must be one of the most common choices because they are eco-friendly and beneficial for your health. 

However, are bikes allowed on the road? If yes, what rules must cyclists obey? This article will discuss everything you need to know about riding your bike on the road. Let's jump into the details! 

Are Bikes Allowed On The Road?  

Yes. Bikes are a mode of transport in that you can ride your bike on the road. There are regulations for cyclists when commuting too. 

Your bike is a good vehicle because it doesn't take up much space on the road. Moreover, it promotes your health and helps preserve the environment. 

Governments encourage citizens to ride their bikes to commute. Hence, they enact laws to protect cyclists. If you use the bike to travel across the roads, please take note of the essential rules. 

Safety Fundamentals

You can only commute by bike if you know the safety fundamentals. They are easy to understand but risk your life if you don't follow. Keep in mind these rules before and during your trip: 

• Always use a helmet when riding your bike. 
• Make sure everyone can see you clearly by wearing bright-colored clothes, ideally with reflective patches and tape. 
• Respect the traffic laws. For example, stop immediately at the stop lights and signs. 
• Follow the traffic, not the opposite direction.
• Control your bike. Go at a safe pace that allows you to respond promptly to unexpected situations.
• Give way to other drivers and pedestrians.
• Do not ride in poor light or at night without reflectors and lights on the bike. 

Riding Technique

These tips will help you stay safe while traveling among other vehicles:

• Maintain a safe 4-foot distance between you and other vehicles. 
• Avoid approaching the curb closely.
• Ride in a straight line.
• Avoid riding on the sidewalks unless there are no other options.
• Keep an eye out for vehicles leaving alleys. 
• Use a whistle, a horn, or shout as necessary to make noise.
• Go in the middle of a lane when there is slow-moving traffic to ensure everyone sees you and no cars try to pass you.
• Avoid swerving in and out of traffic to avoid parked vehicles or other risks on busy roads.

Road Awareness 

Many vehicles are moving at the same time. These tips about road awareness will be helpful:

• Always be on alert for sudden changes in the toad. 
• Be as clear as possible about your intentions to motorists and other cyclists. For instance, you can utilize hand signals whenever you stop or turn. 
• Avoid riding in the semi-truck's blind spot. 
• Avoid actions that might lead to collisions between bicyclists, such as riding too closely, failing to communicate, or losing focus.

Can You Ride A Mini Bike On The Road? 

Many states prohibit mini-bikes on public roads, streets, and trails. They believe these vehicles don't have essential safety equipment, like horns, mirrors, and turn signals. 

Moreover, you don't often insure or register your mini bike. This fact makes those bikes illegal to ride on public roads in various states. 

Can You Ride Mountain Bikes On The Road? 

Yes. You can ride your mountain bike on a public road. However, mountain bikes have different performances on this kind of terrain. While cross-country bikes can handle it, trail bikes will have difficulty there. 

Mountain bikes are more equipped to deal with the problems on modern roads. The full suspension system on these vehicles really contributes to a comfortable ride.

On the other hand, mountain bike tires are wider and offer more rolling resistance than regular bikes. Therefore, pushing the tires demands more energy.

In addition, every mountain bike type is heavier to control when working with the stresses of bumps and jumps.  

Some mountain bikes are difficult to ride on the road

What Else Can Cyclists Do On The Road? 

We have learned a few rules that cyclists must not do. Surprisingly, you can do something that may seem illegal at first. 

• Ride two abreast: According to Rule 66 of the Highway Code, riding two or more abreast is acceptable unless you are heading around a curve or on a tight or crowded roadway. 
• Ride without a helmet: It's not illegal to leave your helmet at home, but we strongly recommend wearing it when riding your bike. 
• Ride outside of the lane for bikes: Sometimes, parked cars block cycle lanes. Hence, you can avoid them by riding outside the lane. 
• Take the middle lane of the road: Riding this way is legal, but make sure you don't frustrate other motorists. 

In the end, please check this video to learn more traffic laws about riding a bike on the road:

Conclusion

You can ride your bike on the road. There are rules for it, so be careful to obey them strictly. It's the only way to stay safe and enjoy your trip. 

Rules on bikes are numerous. Don't hesitate to contact us with any questions about this topic. We are always ready to help you. 

Thank you for reading!