As the summer months arrive, many people are anxious to go outside and enjoy the warmer weather. Especially cyclists, who have patiently waited through the cold, snowy, windy Pennsylvania winter for comfortable riding weather. Anywhere you look in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, you’ll see cyclists. With the increased number of cyclists and motorists on the road, summer can be dangerous.
Cyclists and motorists must use caution and act with mutual respect and consideration. Paramount to this is a strict observance of all Pennsylvania laws affecting motor vehicle and bike traffic. The attorneys at Powell Law have represented all types of accident victims, including those injured while riding a bicycle or motorcycle, since 1906.
FOR BICYCLISTS . . .
Bicyclists must obey all traffic laws under Pennsylvania law. While bicyclists are vehicle operators and therefore expected to obey all traffic laws, they may travel at less than the posted minimum speed and may not be cited for impeding traffic. Although not required to do so, bicyclists may ride on a shoulder of the road.
The Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code defines “pedalcycles” as vehicles and provides that every person riding a pedalcycle upon a roadway shall be granted all of the rights and responsibilities applicable to a driver of a vehicle, with exceptions, of course.
Unless they are making a left turn, bicyclists traveling at less than normal speed must stay as close as possible to the right side of the road when there is more than one lane marked for travel in that direction and must travel in the same direction as the rest of traffic. Bicyclists may keep to the left on one-way roads.
Bicyclists in Pennsylvania are also required to use hand signals when preparing to turn or stop.
Bicyclists riding between sunset and sunrise must utilize a front lamp and rear and side reflectors viewable from at least 500 feet away.
FOR MOTORISTS . . .
When approaching or passing a bicycle, motorists should slow down to a safe and prudent speed.
After passing a bicyclist, motorists should not slow down or stop quickly. The brakes of a motor vehicle are more powerful than those of a bicycle, and any sudden use close to a bike may cause a crash.
No turn by the operator of a motor vehicle may interfere with a bicyclist proceeding straight on a roadway or shoulder.
Motorists should not sound their horn close to bicyclists unless to avoid a crash.
It is against the law to force a bicyclist off the road. Violators may face criminal charges.
At Powell Law, we effectively assist clients throughout each and every legal case, whether based on personal injury, medical malpractice, disability, or workers’ compensation. For 113 years, our attorneys have litigated and settled personal injury matters in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Our unparalleled experience and credentials in such cases make us the clear and obvious choice for representation in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and surrounding areas. Consult an experienced personal injury attorney. Contact Powell Law at (570) 961-0777. The consultation is FREE!
