Tim Paoli 
Under Massachusetts state law, cyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as other road users. This means both the right to use the road and the obligation to ride your bike safely, for both your well-being and others’ safety.
We’ve compiled this guide to help you understand Massachusetts bike laws and how they apply to you. This includes the main traffic rules, the areas where you can ride, cases when a helmet is a must, the equipment required for night riding, and the steps you need to take if you’re involved in a bicycle accident.
Massachusetts Bicycle Laws vs. Traffic Laws: What Rules Apply to Cyclists?
Under MGL c. 85, § 11B, bicycle riders are required to follow the traffic laws of the Commonwealth. You must stop at red lights, obey traffic signs, and ride in the direction of vehicle traffic.
Following these rules isn’t just about avoiding a ticket, as it’s also your defense against collisions. When you adhere to the typical road rules, drivers of motor vehicles or pedestrians can predict your actions easily, and this greatly lowers your risk of a bicycle accident.
Are Bicycles Considered Motor Vehicles in Massachusetts?
Although you have the same legal right to use the road as a car driver (with some exceptions), you aren’t subject to the same administrative requirements. Specifically, you don’t need a driver’s license or a registered license plate. But since you’re using public roads with your vehicle, it’s essential that you adhere to traffic rules just like drivers do.
The table below compares the responsibilities of a cyclist and a driver:
|
Aspect |
Bicycles |
Motor Vehicles |
| Where you can ride | Roads, bike lanes, certain sidewalks | Roads only |
| Traffic rules | Must obey signals and signs | Must obey signals and signs |
| Driver’s license | No, not required | Yes, required by the RMV |
| Annual registration | Not applicable — no plates or fees | Yes, must be registered |
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s move into the Massachusetts bicycle laws.
Where You Can Ride: Rules on Using Roads, Bike Lanes, and Sidewalks
As a cyclist, you have the right to ride on all public ways in the Commonwealth, except limited access highways or express state highways. You usually see signs at the start of these roads indicating that a bicycle isn’t allowed.
If a designated bike lane is available, it’s recommended that you use it, but you are legally allowed to use the road anyway. When it comes to sidewalks, state law generally allows sidewalk riding outside of business districts. However, cities and towns can introduce local ordinances different from the state regulations.
How to Approach Intersections, Red Lights, and Crosswalks
Since bicycle riders need to follow the same traffic laws as drivers in Massachusetts, you must come to a complete stop at every red light and stop sign before moving forward, whether it’s a big intersection or a quiet neighborhood street. Motor vehicle drivers owe you the right of way when they are turning left, but you must give way to pedestrians at crosswalks.
Hand Signals, Lane Position, and Passing Rules
When you plan to stop or turn, hand signals should be used to inform those nearby about your intentions. However, Massachusetts law provides an exception: there is no need for signaling if both hands should stay on the handlebars for maintaining safe control over the bike.
Your lane position is also crucial for safety. You have the right to use the whole travel lane when it’s needed to remain visible and avoid obstacles at the roadside.
Also, the law in Massachusetts allows bicycle riders to pass cars on the right side. However, it’s always necessary to be careful while doing this so as not to get into blind spots.
Riding Side by Side and Group Riding: What’s Allowed and What’s Risky
When bicycle riders are moving in a group, they may ride side by side, but not more than two abreast. On roads that have more than one lane in the same direction, cyclists need to stay within one lane. This rule doesn’t take away the responsibility of a bike rider to let other vehicles pass safely when needed, as per MGL c. 89, § 2.
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Night Riding Rules: Lights, Reflectors, and Visibility
When the sun goes down, visibility becomes your top priority. Accidents at night often happen because drivers simply don’t see cyclists. To ensure bicycle safety at night, Massachusetts law requires you to have specific gear: a white light in front that can be seen from 500 feet and a red rear light or reflector that is noticeable from 600 feet.
Also, your bike pedals need to have reflectors, or you can put reflective material around each of your ankles. This material must be visible from both sides at a distance of 600 feet.
Who Has to Wear Bike Helmets?
According to the bike laws in Massachusetts, anyone who is 16 years old or younger must wear a helmet when they ride a bicycle or are a passenger on a public way or bicycle path. Even though adults don’t have to wear helmets, using one is critical for bicycle safety, as this creates an additional layer of protection on the road.
Your Rights as a Cyclist
One of your core rights when you cycle in Massachusetts is that you can take the space necessary for your safety on the road. You’re entitled to ride far enough into the travel lane so that you avoid the “door zone.”
In fact, MGL c. 90, § 14 offers specific protection for you by making it against the law for anyone to open a car door without checking if it’s reasonably safe and does not disrupt other traffic movement. This section also requires motorists to maintain a safe distance when passing bicyclists.
Still, the concept of shared responsibility shouldn’t be overlooked. Even with legal protection in place, move in a manner that can be anticipated, and keep a safe distance, too. This makes the road safer for both you and everyone else.
Bike Accident Basics: What to Do Immediately and What to Document
Accidents can still happen, even if you follow all the rules, and it’s important that you know what to do if you ever get into one. The steps you take after a bicycle accident can impact your health and your potential personal injury claim. Here’s what you need to remember:
If it’s possible, move yourself and your bike out of the flow of traffic to a safe area. Get a medical evaluation, even if you seem to feel fine, as some injuries don’t show up immediately. Plus, medical attention is a critical step in mitigating damages, as it confirms you have taken reasonable steps to minimize the impact of the bicycle accident. The law requires you to report any accident that has resulted in personal injury or more than $100 in damages to the police. The officers should provide you with an official report that is crucial for insurance claims. Take photos of the vehicles involved, the road conditions, and any visible damage. Collect names and contact information from anyone who saw the bike incident. Do not rush to fix your bike or throw away damaged clothing. These are the physical evidence of the property damage you suffered in the bicycle accident.
When to Get Legal Help After a Bike Accident in Massachusetts
After a crash, another action you can take to safeguard your rights and recover compensation for your medical bills is contacting a Massachusetts bicycle accident lawyer. An attorney can be especially important in the following situations:
- Severe injuries or serious financial losses
- Insurance claiming that you caused the incident
- Hit-and-run accidents
- Crashes with commercial vehicles
- Claim denials, delays, or unfair offers.
Such cases can involve complex insurance policies, liability disputes, complicated investigations, and stressful negotiations. A lawyer who knows bicycle laws can help you secure your rights.
If you were injured in a bicycle accident and are uncertain about what steps to take, the Michael Kelly Injury Lawyers team is here to help you understand your options. Contact us for a free consultation.
