Massachusetts Bicycle Laws

Massachusetts Bicycle Laws

Cyclists often have questions about Massachusetts bicycle laws, and about their rights and responsibilities. In Massachusetts, the primary law concerning bicycle use is M.G.L. c. 85, § 11B, which in part says children age 16 and younger must wear helmets.

Breakstone, White & Gluck works to encourage cyclists of all ages to wear bike helmets through our Project KidSafe campaign. Through our campaign, we receive some great questions about bicycle safety, the law and local regulations. Read our answers here:

What roads can cyclists ride on in Massachusetts?

Almost all of them. Under Massachusetts law, bicyclists “have the right to use all public ways in the commonwealth except limited access or express state highways where signs specifically prohibiting bicycles have been posed.”

In other words, cyclists may use all roads in Massachusetts except those major highways and limited access roads where posted signs prohibit bicycles.

Can cyclists ride on the sidewalks in Massachusetts?

Not usually. Bicycles “may be ridden on sidewalks outside business districts when necessary in the interest of safety, unless otherwise directed by local ordinance.”

In other words, it is only okay to ride on the sidewalks in Massachusetts when it would be unsafe to do otherwise and a bicycle accident could result.

When riding on sidewalks, bicyclists must yield the right of way to pedestrians and give an auditory (loud) signal when passing pedestrians.

The City of Cambridge provides maps of banned sidewalk riding areas. Other communities may as well.

Do I have to stop at red lights in Massachusetts?

Yes. With the right to ride on Massachusetts roads, bicyclists are also bound by all the same rules of the road, with a few minor exceptions. One of these exceptions allows cyclists to pass cars on the right.

Do I have to use hand signals in Massachusetts?

Yes, use hand signals. Under Massachusetts law, bicyclists must use hand signals to show their intention to turn.

However, cyclists do not need to signal ‘continuously’ and they do not need to signal if they need both hands on their handlebars to ride safely and avoid a bike accident. The hand signals poster was developed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Can cyclists ride next to each other in Massachusetts?

Yes. This is one of the rules that changed with the 2009 Bicycle Safety Bill. Under the new law, up to two cyclists can ride next to each other, so long as they stay in a single lane.

However, it is still good practice to shift to a single-file line if cars are getting backed up. Courtesy goes a long way to maintaining good relations between cyclists and motorists.

Where can I park my bicycle in Massachusetts?

Under Massachusetts law, bicycles can be parked anywhere on a sidewalk or road so long as the bicycle does not obstruct the flow of pedestrian or vehicle traffic. Here are resources on bike parking:

Do cyclists need to use bike lights and reflectors in Massachusetts?

Yes, if you intend to ride your bicycle after dark. Under Massachusetts law, cyclists must display a white light on the front of their bicycle, along with a red taillight and a rear reflector on the back. Cyclists must also display a reflector on each pedal or wear ankle reflectors. These requirements apply from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise.

What Massachusetts motor vehicle laws should cyclists and drivers know?

We have been writing about M.G.L. c. 85, § 11B. Other Massachusetts laws further address a driver's responsibilities for safe operation near cyclists. These include M.G.L. c. 89, § 2 and M.G.L. c. 90, § 14. All three laws were updated in 2009, when Massachusetts passed new bicycle safety legislation. Drivers can be cited for violating these laws.

M.G.L. c. 89, § 2 details a driver's responsibilities when passing other vehicles and cyclists in Massachusetts. Drivers cannot overtake bicyclists unless there is enough room to pass safely. If there is not enough room, drivers must wait.

M.G.L. c. 90, § 14 establishes a driver's responsibilities when turning. The law states, "No person operating a vehicle that overtakes and passes a bicyclist proceeding in the same direction shall make a right turn at an intersection or driveway unless the turn can be made at a safe distance from the bicyclist at a speed that is reasonable and proper." The law further states when making a left turn, drivers shall yield the right of way to any vehicle (including a bicycle) approaching form the opposite direction.

M.G.L. c. 90, § 14 also establishes a driver's responsibility not to open a door into a cyclist's path. To learn more, read our website pages on drivers making illegal right turns and illegal left turns and causing injuries to cyclists.

Do cyclists need Massachusetts auto insurance to ride a bicycle?

That is a good question for cyclists to ask. We offer some insights in our article, "What Every Massachusetts Bicyclist Needs To Know About Car Insurance." The short answer is cyclists are not required to carry special insurance in Massachusetts. But you can strategically purchase additional types and amounts of coverage through your Massachusetts auto insurance policy. If you are injured by a driver who is uninsured or underinsured, you have your own auto insurance policy. This can compensate you for your medical bills and other financial losses.

If you do not own a car, you may be able to purchase coverage through a household policy.

What should I do if I am injured while riding my bike in Massachusetts?

If you are injured in a bicycle accident, the most important thing to do is to obtain immediate medical care. You may then need to seek legal advice.

You are required to file an accident report with local police after any bicycle accident resulting in personal injury or property damage exceeding $100. The accident report must be filed within 5 days, unless someone is unable due to injury. Finding an attorney to assist you can help make the process much easier. An attorney can also help you report the claim to the auto insurance companies, including the insurer on the vehicle which struck you and your own insurance company.

For help, contact Breakstone, White & Gluck today for a free legal consultation at 866-561-1578 or use our contact form.

About Breakstone, White & Gluck in Boston

Breakstone, White & Gluck is committed to bicycling safety in Massachusetts. Since 2013, we have donated over 33,000 children's bicycle helmets through our Project KidSafe campaign. We are proud to be recognized as a Silver-Level Bicycle Friendly Business by the American League of Bicyclists for our bike helmet donations and our support of cycling clubs and organizations.

Some of the organizations and programs we support: MassBike, Boston Cyclists Union, Northeast Bicycle Club, Charles River Wheelers, Bikes Not Bombs, Massachusetts Safe Routes to School and the New England Mountain Bike Association.