Many cyclists do not realize that they are actually breaking the law while riding through the city. The state treats bicycles the same as vehicles, which means you have to follow the same rules as cars in most situations.
If you were in a bike crash, speaking with an experienced bicycle accident attorney about traffic laws for bicyclists in Huntsville can help provide you with clarity. Our legal team at Siniard Law, LLC, could assist you with your case.
Are Bicycles Considered Vehicles?
Alabama Code § 32-5A-260 establishes that every person riding a bicycle has the same rights and duties as drivers of vehicles. In Huntsville, cyclists must stop at red lights and stop signs under this law. Yield signs require you to slow down and check for traffic, and posted speed limits apply to bicyclists just as they apply to motor vehicles.
Where To Ride
State law requires cyclists to ride near the right side of the road but allows them to take the lane for safety. Riders should move to the left to avoid obstacles or when preparing for a left turn.
On narrow roads, cyclists can take the full lane if cars cannot safely pass them. Cyclists should ride no more than two abreast and switch to single file when vehicles approach.
Cycling on the sidewalk is permitted throughout most of Huntsville, but not in some business districts. Similar to vehicles, bicyclists must always yield to pedestrians.
Required Equipment
Your bike must have working brakes that let you stop within 25 feet from a speed of 10 miles per hour. Night riding in Huntsville requires a white front light that is visible from at least 500 feet away.
You also need a red rear reflector that is visible from 100 to 600 feet away. Riders under the age of 16 must wear helmets, but adults can ride without helmets legally. However, insurance companies may use this against you if you are in an accident.
Hand Signals
While riding your bike in Huntsville, you must signal turns and stops by using proper hand signals. You can do this by extending your left arm straight out for left turns. For right turns, hold your left arm out and angle it upward, or extend your right arm straight out.
Right-of-Way Rules
Cyclists must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks when riding in Huntsville by slowing down and stopping when people are crossing. You must also yield when entering roadways from driveways, alleys, or bike paths, as cars on the main road have the right of way.
Traffic lights and stop signs have the same right-of-way rules for bicycles as they do for vehicles. For example, if you arrive at a four-way stop first, you can go first. If you are turning left on a green light, you must also yield to oncoming traffic.
Prohibited Actions
The state’s laws for driving under the influence apply to bicyclists in Huntsville just as they apply to vehicles. You should never hitch a ride by holding onto moving vehicles. You should also not carry packages or items that prevent you from keeping at least one hand on the handlebars.
Bike Lanes and Paths
Bike lanes are not mandatory in all situations, but when a bike lane exists in Huntsville, you should use it. However, you can leave the bike lane to pass other cyclists, avoid hazards, or prepare for turns.
Cars cannot drive or park in bike lanes, except for when they need to turn into or enter driveways. They must also yield to cyclists already in the lane before crossing it.
Consequences of Violations
Breaking cycling laws in Huntsville can result in traffic tickets with fines. More importantly, violations may negatively impact your injury claim after an accident. The state’s contributory negligence rule means that even a minor violation could eliminate your right to compensation from the crash.
Insurance companies investigate whether you broke any traffic laws before the crash. They could use violations to argue that you caused or contributed to the accident.
Call a Bike Accident Attorney To Discuss Traffic Laws in Huntsville
Traffic laws for bicyclists in Huntsville protect you as much as they regulate you. Drivers must treat you like any other vehicle on the road, and when a driver violates your rights and causes you injuries, you deserve compensation. Following these traffic laws could strengthen your case by eliminating defenses insurance companies like to use.
Our attorneys at Siniard Law, LLC, hold negligent drivers accountable when they injure cyclists. We know the state’s traffic laws and how to prove that drivers violated them. Contact our office today for free and learn how we could help you.
