Bicyclists and in-line skaters must obey all traffic signals, signs and pavement markings. Bicyclists and in-line skaters who violate the law are subject to traffic tickets. Parents can be held responsible for violations by their minor children. [Section 1230(a), NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law.]

Bicyclists and in-line skaters have the legal right to share the road on most public highways, but they are prohibited on interstate highways and expressways. In addition, authorities with jurisdiction over other controlled-access highways may prohibit bicycles.

The law requires that bicyclists ride and in-line skaters glide with traffic [Section 1234(a), NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law]. Bicycling and skating against traffic are leading causes of crashes. Moving with traffic makes bicyclists and in-line skaters more visible, and their movements more predictable to motorists. Riding or gliding with traffic also prevents interference with the flow of traffic and pedestrians.

If there is a usable bicycle or in-line skating lane, the bicyclist and in-line skater must use it [Section 1234(a), NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law]. If there is no lane or it is unusable due to parked cars or other hazards, the bicyclist may ride and the in-line skater may glide either on the right shoulder, or near the right edge or curb of the roadway. A bicyclist or an in-line skater may move further left to avoid hazards such as parked cars or debris, or to turn left but the bicyclist and in-line skater must avoid undue interference with other traffic.

A path is separate from the roadway, and a bicyclist or in-line skater may use either the path or the roadway. In some cases, a roadway may be safer than a nearby bicycle or in-line skating path, as well as more convenient.

Yes. They may ride two abreast on roadways, but they must ride or skate single file when being overtaken by other vehicles. Bicyclists and in-line skaters may only travel more than two abreast on a shoulder, lane or path intended for bicycling and skating use if there is sufficient space. However, they must be single file when passing vehicles, pedestrians and other bicyclists or in-line skaters. [Section 1234(b), NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law.]

Generally, bicyclists and in-line skaters should use the same through or turning lanes as motorists. However, a bicyclist or in-line skater may choose to dismount and use the pedestrian crosswalk, especially in heavy traffic. After crossing at an intersection, a bicyclist and in-line skater should move to a usable right-hand shoulder or to the right side of the right-hand lane.

The position a bicyclist and in-line skater takes in preparing for a turn is governed by the turning rules that apply to other traffic [see Section 1234(a) of the NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law]. A bicyclist and in-line skater should move to the center of the lane when preparing for either a right or left turn, to prevent a following motorist from sharing the lane. It can be very dangerous for a bicyclist or in-line skater to turn, while sharing a lane with a motorist.

If there is more than one left turn lane, use the one furthest to the right. After any left turn, move to the right as soon as it is safe to do so.

Yes, if you are under 14 years of age. Effective June 1, 1994, all bicyclists under the age of fourteen are required to wear approved bicycle helmets when they are operators or passengers on bicycles. Child passengers one through four years of age must wear approved bicycle helmets and ride in a specially designed child safety seat. Children under the age of one are prohibited from being transported on a bicycle. [Section 1238(5), NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law]

Effective January 1, 1996, in-line skaters under the age of 14 are required to wear approved bicycle helmets. [Section 1238(5-a), NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law ]

Effective July 1, 2002, persons under the age of 14 years old are required to wear certified bicycle helmets when riding a non-motorized scooter.  [ Section 1238(5-b), NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law ]

Effective January 1, 2005, persons under the age of 14 years old are required to wear certified bicycle helmets when operating a skateboard.  [ Section 1238(2-a), NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law ]

Any parent or guardian whose child violates the helmet law is subject to a fine of up to $50. [ Section 1238(3)(6a), NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law ]

Certain localities within the State of New York have passed local ordinances regarding helmet use for bicyclists. For example, Rockland and Erie Counties require all people riding bicycles on county property, regardless of age, to wear an approved bicycle helmet.

Every bicyclist, in-line skater or scooter rider, regardless of age, should wear an approved helmet. Helmets significantly reduce the risk of sustaining a serious head injury. A helmet should fit squarely on top of the head in a level position and cover the top of the forehead extending down to about an inch above the eyebrows. The helmet should not be able to slide back and forth on the head or rock from side to side.

A bicycle must be equipped with:

• A brake which is capable of making the bike tires skid on dry level pavement.
• A bell, horn or other device that can be heard at least a hundred feet away. Sirens and whistles are not permitted.
• Bicycles driven between a half-hour after sunset and a half-hour before sunrise must be equipped with a white front headlight visible in darkness for at least 500 feet, and a red or amber taillight visible for at least 300 feet.
• A bicycle, when purchased new and/or driven at night, must have reflective tires, or wide-angle, spoke-mounted reflectors. Reflectors must be colorless or amber for front wheels, and colorless or red for rear wheels.
• See: Sections 1236(b), 1236(c) and 1236(d) of the NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law.

As a bicyclist, the law also requires you to:

• Any bicycle accident involving death or serious injury must be reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles within 10 days. If no motor vehicle was involved, use a bicycle accident report (MV-104C). If a motor vehicle was involved, use a motor vehicle accident report (MV-104A). Forms are available at all motor vehicle offices. Parents may file on behalf of minor children.
• Sit on the bike seat, not the fender or handlebars. Keep feet on the pedals, and never carry more people on the bike than the number for which it was designed [Section 1232, NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law].
• Keep at least one hand on the handlebar at all times [Section 1235, NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law].
• Never attach yourself or your bike to another vehicle on the roadway [Section 1233, NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law].
• Never wear more than one earphone attached to a radio, tape player or other audio device [Section 375 (24-a), NYS Vehicle & Traffic Law].