Are There Special Rules for Bicycle Accidents in New York?

If you’ve been injured in an accident with a motor vehicle, our Long Island bicycle accident lawyers can help.

With more bike riders and a push for alternative transportation, the number of bicycles in the state has grown. You might wonder, “Are there special rules for bicycle accidents in New York?” The answer is yes—New York has specific laws for bicyclists. If you’ve been injured in an accident with a motor vehicle, our Long Island bicycle accident lawyers can help with a bicycle accident lawsuit.

Traffic Laws for Bicycles

New York law is intended to protect vulnerable road users. By New York law, bicycles are considered vehicles and must follow traffic laws. Cyclists must obey signals, stop signs, yield signs, and other traffic controls. They must also use hand signals when turning and ride in the same direction as traffic.

What Are New York State Bicycle Laws?

New York State has specific laws and regulations for bicycles that are meant to ensure the safety of both cyclists and motorists on the road. Some important laws include:

Motor Vehicle Law

The same laws that apply to motor vehicle operators apply to cyclists.

Helmet Law

In New York State, bicyclists under 14 must wear helmets, and children aged 1-4 need safety seats. Children under 1 are not allowed on bikes.

Traffic Lights & Signs

Bicyclists must obey traffic lights, signs, and signals for turns—whether on a road, a designated bike lane, or a path shared with pedestrians.

Traffic Tickets

Bicyclists who break the law can receive traffic tickets; parents may be held responsible if their minor children violate the rules. For example, parents can be fined if their child violates the helmet law.

Roadways Permitting Bicycles

Bicyclists are allowed on most public highways but usually cannot ride on interstates or expressways. In many places, biking on sidewalks is not allowed, although some areas make exceptions for children.

Riding With or Against Traffic

Bicyclists are required to ride with traffic to reduce crash risks and improve visibility for drivers.

Riding Side-by-Side

Cyclists can ride two abreast but must switch to single file when passing, being passed, or riding on narrow paths.

Pedestrian Right of Way

Bicyclists—like motorists—must yield the right of way to a pedestrian.

What Equipment Does New York State Require of Cyclists?

New York State law requires that all bicycles be equipped with the following:

Brakes

A brake must be powerful enough to make bike tires skid on dry pavement.

A Sound Device

A sound device—such as a bell or horn—must be loud enough to be heard from 100 feet. Sirens or whistles are not allowed.

Lights

Bicycles ridden after sunset or before sunrise must have a white headlight visible for 500 feet, a red tail light visible for 300 feet, and at least one light visible from 200 feet on each side.

Reflectors

Bicycles used at night must have reflective tires or wheel reflectors: amber or colorless for the front, and red or colorless for the rear.

Special Bicycle Rules in New York City

New Yorkers who bike for transportation need to follow the same traffic laws as drivers. These include:

Riding on the Sidewalk

Ride your bike on the street, not the sidewalk, unless you’re under 12 or using a bike with wheels 26 inches or smaller.

With or Against Traffic

Ride with traffic, not against it.

Where to Ride

Bicyclists ride legally on all streets in New York City, even without protected bike lanes. Cyclists should stay alert around vehicles and parked cars.

Traffic Lights & Signs

Stop completely at stop signs and red lights. Follow all traffic signals, road signs, and pavement markings.

Commercial Cyclists

Bicycles are prohibited on sidewalks.

Businesses using bicycles must ensure clear identification on bikes and apparel, provide safety-standard helmets, equip bikes with lights; bells; and reflectors, and maintain a current operator roster.

Operators must wear helmets, complete a bicycle safety course, and carry an ID card with personal and business details for safety and identification.

What Must a Cyclist Do After an Accident?

By New York vehicle and traffic law (Section 605), a cyclist involved in a crash must:

Report bicycle crashes involving death or serious injury to the DMV within 10 days. Use form MV-104C if no motor vehicle was involved; use MV-104A if one was. Forms are available at DMV offices, and parents can file for minors.

Adult cyclists—over 18 years old—in serious injury accidents must stop, share their details, and report to the police if no officer is present. Failure to report is a Class B misdemeanor.

The police report serves as the official record of the incident detailing time, location, and circumstances of the event.

How Does New York’s No-Fault Insurance Work for Cyclists?

New York’s no-fault insurance laws work differently for cyclists than for motor vehicle drivers. Here are the key points:

No-Fault Insurance for Motor Vehicle Accidents

In New York, no-fault insurance covers drivers’ medical expenses and lost wages after an accident, regardless of fault. Cyclists injured in an accident with a motor vehicle may be eligible for PIP benefits from the insurance company of the driver who hit them or for coverage from their own auto insurance. If they have suffered severe injuries, they may be able to seek additional compensation beyond what’s covered by PIP in a personal injury lawsuit including damages for pain and suffering.

When the At-Fault Driver Was Uninsured or Underinsured

Cyclists who suffer serious injuries when hit by a car in New York may be able seek compensation through their own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage when the at-fault driver lacks sufficient insurance. If they don’t have a household vehicle, they may be able to recover through New York’s Motor Vehicle Accident Indemnification Corporation or “MVAIC”.

What to Do when a Cyclist’s Injuries Exceed the Policy Limits

Even if the at-fault driver has insurance, it might not cover all of the cyclist’s serious injuries and damages. In these situations, consult a personal injury attorney who will help you navigate the legal process and work to get fair compensation.

Seeking Compensation Through a Lawsuit

Seriously injured cyclists can use personal injury claims to seek compensation for injuries and losses. Call our legal team for a free consultation.