Russell & Hill, PLLC

Washington Bicycle Laws

Posted on : January 14, 2021Posted By : Russell HillPosted In : Bicycle Accident

The pandemic has brought on a new age of saving toilet paper and learning how to bike ride. Our Spokane Bicycle Accident Lawyers at Russell & Hill, PLLC are here to help guide our clients and advocate for them. As your attorney, our job is to investigate, collaborate, negotiate, and ultimately create a situation where you get the best compensation possible. For now, we want to re-educate our readers on the bicycle laws in Washington because we want our clients to know that we are ready to take on your case and experienced to get you the results you are looking for.

#1 Bicycle Helmets

There is no statewide helmet law. However, Spokane has enacted a local law that requires people of all ages to wear a helmet while riding a bike. If you are injured without wearing a helmet, it does not negate your case. Instead, it may mean that we will have to negotiate a little harder to ensure that you are still getting the compensation you need despite choosing not to wear a helmet.

#2 Bicycles Are Subjected to The Same Rules as Vehicles

We understand that a bicycle is in no way able to cause the same harm as a vehicle. However, the state law is specific about treating bicycles and cars the same way when bikes are being used on the road. This means that bicyclists must obey common roadway signs like stop signs, yield signs, crosswalks, and lights. The law even states that when using a bicycle at night, you must have the proper white light in the front of the bike and red brake light at the back of the bike. If you are injured at night while riding your bike without the proper night gear, it does not negate your case. Instead, we are skilled and negotiating and tailoring our suit to find success for you.

#3 Bicycles Can NOT be Used Everywhere

The statewide law is specific that bicycles are not allowed to be used on every roadway. We have provided a link here to instruct you on what parts of Spokane highway are off-limits for bicycles. The state chooses where bicycles can go based on the safety of the user.

#4 Riding on Roadways

Cyclists are asked to use shoulder lanes, bike paths, or shoulder lanes when traveling on the road. They believe the choice of where to bike safely is at the discretion of the cyclist within reason. There are specific ways in which the state labels how a cyclist should ride, which can be found here.

There are other laws to be aware of, such as cyclists may ride side by side as long as there are only two side by side and parents cannot advise children to violate any state bicycle laws.

Our Spokane Bicycle Accident Attorneys at Russell & Hill, PLLC are skilled attorneys who know that your injuries are in dire need of compensation. Do not hesitate; you can contact us for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or calling 509-361-2065 if you or a loved one is injured.

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