How To Safely Bike On The Road In Upstate New York

I've always loved biking. It's an effective mode of transportation that still allows for exercise and fresh air.

Unfortunately, we're not a country built around pedestrian traffic, so using a bike as a stable source of transportation isn't always the best idea, but there are ways to make your cycling time much smoother.

Required Equipment

Sure, they're not multi-ton death machines like automobiles are, but bicycles still require a certain level of safety to them.

All cyclists and their passengers aged 14 and younger are required to wear an approved bicycle helmet, and those aged 1-4 must be in a child safety seat. If a child is under the age of 1, they are not legally allowed to be transported via bicycle.

red and silver motorcycle handle bar

These rules also stand for in-line skaters, skateboarders, and non-motorized scooters if the rider is under the age of 14.

Parents or guardians are liable for a fine of $50 if these rules are not followed.

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Obeying Traffic Laws

One of the most dangerous things for cyclists is biking on roads also shared by automobiles.

Cyclists have the right to share the road on most public highways, but interstate highways and express highways are off limits. When sharing the road, cyclists are required to follow the flow of traffic for better visibility.

If a road has a bike lane, it must be used. If, for some reason, the lane is registered unusable, cyclists must follow the same rules for sharing the road as we discussed above.

Despite common misconception that they do not, cyclists are subject to traffic tickets when breaking these laws.