Outdoor activities are popular among the people of Massachusetts. With panoramic views of rural lands to urban jungles full of remarkable architecture. The people of Massachusetts, also known as Bay Staters, are surrounded by exciting sceneries.
A common choice for transport to zip through town are bicycles! Bicyclers can pass safely through various public roadways.
Massachusetts allows bicycles almost anywhere around the Commonwealth; except limited access or express state highways, where signs specifically prohibiting bicycles and all bicycle-operated vehicles are posted.
While these highways are structured to facilitate passing traffic of any motor vehicle, local laws regarding highway safety state that bicycles are not allowed access to these roadways mainly due to the potential threats awaiting cyclists in a multi-lane-road system.
Except for roadways with visible signages against bicycles like express and limited access state highways, cyclists are granted vast amounts of freedom. Therefore, it is imperative cyclists familiarize themselves with the Massachusetts bike laws chapter, which covers equipment, such as the required bicycle safety gear.
Ride safely through any road street or bikeway to avoid causing either personal injury or property damage by observing the appropriate traffic laws and regulations.
Injuries one might sustain include brain injuries and spine injuries. Those who suffer from these types of injuries might develop permanent disabilities. Avoiding debilitating injuries such as these is why safety standards require bicyclists riding must wear helmets anytime.
The relevant regulations for bicycles are found under Massachusetts General Laws > Chapter 85 > Section 11B. Here you will find everything that covers Massachusetts bike law.
Below, all cyclists should know ten laws before riding anytime on Massachusetts roadways.
The laws related to riding your bicycle are all applicable even at night.
Additionally, a bicycle must have a front attachment that emits white light, visible to all other motorists and pedestrians from up to 500 feet away.
A bicycle ridden at night must also possess reflective material on either pedal on the left and right-hand side. Alternatively, a cyclist can wear ankle reflectors.
Bicycles should also have at least one rear reflector that may be seen by motorists coming up behind them. A bicycle must also have a red rear-end light or taillight visible up to 600 feet behind.
It is much riskier for bicyclists to ride their bikes at night. Laws related to night riding are in place to protect cyclists and other motorists from any harm or accidents that may result in damages.
Bike laws are implemented for each rider's safety and others within proximity. There have been reports of untoward accidents occurring due to a cyclist's negligence.
Safety standards must never be overlooked by anyone sharing a roadway. There are scenarios where the bicycle itself caused property damage, but extenuating factors provoked the bike's course of action.
Cyclists being blinded by a car's headlights and spiraling into oncoming traffic or bumping into car or truck doors causing damage is not unheard of. A cyclist also suddenly swerving into the opposing lane due to a pedestrian stepping off a sidewalk or safety island is common. When this occurrence leads to injuries and damages, a cyclist can refer to the pedestrian's negligence as the root cause instead of taking sole responsibility.
All vehicles, as well as pedestrians, should familiarize themselves with the Contributory Negligence Law.
Under the Contributory Negligence Law in Massachusetts, anyone in breach of their civic duty also shares responsibility in the matter regardless of personal injuries and damages they suffer due to the accident.
Relating this law to Massachusetts bike laws, a bicycle rider involved in an accident in which they partially caused may still be compensated by insurance and others for any damages incurred by the accident.
Unless the cyclist holds more than 50% of the responsibility in causing the accident, they are entitled to seek compensation for damages. The cyclist's entitlement is directly related to their culpability, where the percentage of their responsibility directly affects their legal consideration for due compensation.
You can consult with a lawyer in the event you sustain injuries in accidents involving others who share the guilt, especially when the bike rider holds the right-of-way.
All bicyclists riding their bikes on Massachusetts roadways must adhere to the laws stated above and more under the Massachusetts bike laws.
Failing to comply with these regulations will result in the careless riding of bike riders punishable by law. The blatant disregard of Massachusetts bike laws that result in a bicycle accident involving injuries and damages will bear penalties to the cyclist.
A fine of up to $20 can be put upon the cyclist or guardians of those riding bikes aged below 18 years old. A bicycle may also be impounded for a maximum of 15 days by local authorities.
Suppose you were involved in bicycle accidents involving pedestrians, cars, or other properties, resulting in personal injuries. In that case, you could reach out to the Kiley Law Group today to find out what you should do next.
Suppose you are suffering bodily injuries caused by another party and think you have been wrongfully cited or fined by local authorities preventing you from launching claims. In that case, we can help you explore your legal options. You can book a free consultation with the firm by visiting the website today.
Kiley Law Group is a well-established firm with an extensive background that can help you assess the situation you're currently in. The firm offers its clients free consultations that include a complete case evaluation.
TEXT OR CALL 888.435.1321