Vermont State Bicycle Laws

Our friends over at Local Motion dropped off some Island Line Trail maps and the official Vermont State Laws regarding rights and responsibilities of bicyclists. For all those bike commuters out there, it is important to know the road laws around cycling. Here is a quick list of the do's and don'ts of bicycle riding in VT. Dos - use brakes, signal turns, warn pedestrians of your approach, yield to pedestrians, use lights and reflectors at night, obey speed limits, stop at stop signs and lights, bike slowly on sidewalks, keep right except to pass, ride as far to the right as practicable, pull over for emergency vehicles, maintain a safe distance. Don'ts - abandon your bike, ride more than two abreast, cling to motor vehicles, carry large items without a pannier or trailer, ride against traffic, go wrong direction on one-way bike lanes, ride on sidewalks where prohibited, ride between lanes, impede the normal flow of traffic. Here is a list of the laws that cyclists must abide by for safe road travel and associate fines noncompliance of said laws. Abreast Riding - No more than two abreast; riders "shall not impede the normal and reasonable movement of traffic" and "shall ride within a single lane." $41-$70 fine; $70 waiver penalty (2010). Brakes - No Person may operate a bicycle unless it is equipped with brakes which will enable the operator to make the braked wheels skid on dry, level, and clean pavement. $41-$70 fine; $70 waiver penalty (2010).

Carrying Articles - No person operating a bicycle may carry an package, bundle, or article which prevents driver from keeping at least one hand upon handle bars. $41-$70 fine; $70 waiver penalty (2010). Clinging to Motor Vehicles - No person shall attach himself or any bicycle, wagon, roller skates, sled, or toy vehicle upon which he is riding or will ride to any motor vehicle. $41-$70 fine; $70 waiver penalty (2010). Hand Signals - No turn shall be made without first giving a signal. Left turn : left arm extended horizontally. Right turn: left arm extended upward or right arm extended horizontally. Stop or decrease speed: left arm extended downward. 2 Points and $41 - $1191 fine; $214 wavier penalty (2010). Night Operation - Lamp in the front which emits light visible from 500 feet; red light in the rear visible from 300 feet or reflector. $41-$70 fine; $70 waiver penalty (2010). Passing of Bicycles by Motor Vehicles - Motor vehicle "shall exercise due care, which includes increasing clearance". $41-$70 fine; $70 waiver penalty or 3 Points & $41-$1191 fine; $214 waiver penalty. Two Person Riding - No Person may use a bicycle to carry more persons at any one time than the number for which it is designed and equipped. $41-$70 fine; $70 waiver penalty (2010). Where to Ride in the Roadway - Bikes should generally ride as near to the right as practicable. Exceptions: to make a left turn; if the right lane becomes a right-turn-only lane; to pass another user; to avoid a hazard. Must exercise due care when passing. $41-$70 fine; $70 waiver penalty (2010).