State law treats bicycles as legally equivalent to motor vehicles and cyclists as equivalent to drivers. This means you have the same right to seek financial restitution as any motor vehicle operator has if a negligent driver hurt you in a crash.
However, this also means that most of the legal rules and restrictions that apply to car, truck, and SUV drivers also apply to cyclists, and following these laws could be the key to both protecting yourself from injury and avoiding legal difficulties. A talented bike accident attorney from our team could explain in more detail the traffic laws for bicyclists in Inverness that are outlined below.
Where Are Bicyclists Allowed To Ride Under State Law?
Since state law considers bicycles vehicles, cyclists have the right to ride on local roads and do not have to use adjacent bike paths, even if they are available. However, you must ride as far to the right side of the pavement as is reasonably possible unless you are turning, going down a one-way street, or otherwise need to lawfully occupy more of a traffic lane. State law prohibits cyclists from riding on major state or interstate highways.
Notably, Inverness traffic laws allow cyclists to ride on sidewalks and other mixed-use paths designed for both riders and walkers. When riding on these pathways, bicyclists are legally reclassified as pedestrians and must yield to other pedestrians and vehicle traffic in the same way as any other vehicle would. You should also give an audible signal before overtaking a pedestrian who shares your path.
Laws for Bicycle Operation and Equipment in Inverness
When riding on Inverness roads designed for motor vehicles, bikers must obey the same traffic rules as drivers. This means you must come to a complete stop at red lights and stop signs, yield the right-of-way to oncoming traffic when appropriate, and use hand signals to indicate turns or lane changes. You may ride two abreast within a single traffic lane if doing so does not impede vehicle traffic. Otherwise, you must ride single file, including while on designated bike paths.
State law requires only riders under the age of 16 to wear safety helmets while riding. However, your bicycle must have functioning brakes enabling a stop within 25 feet while traveling at ten miles per hour on flat and dry pavement, and when riding at night, you must have a white headlight visible at a range of 500 feet and a red rear reflector visible from a range of 600 feet.
Learn More About Bicycle Traffic Laws From an Inverness Attorney
Understanding and complying with the traffic laws for bicyclists in Inverness could help reduce your risk of injury in a preventable accident. Unfortunately, another person’s negligence could cause a crash that involves you, even if you are a responsible and law-abiding cyclist.
Personalized support from a seasoned bicycle accident lawyer could be the key to proactively pursuing the compensation you deserve if a driver injured you in an accident that was not your fault. Call Largey Law Firm today to schedule a free consultation.
