Riding a bicycle is a great way to get exercise and see the beautiful sites of the First State!
While on your bike, however, keep in mind that there are certain laws that every cyclist must follow. These laws ensure the safety of cyclists, motorists, and pedestrians.
Bicycle safety laws are strictly enforced in Delaware, so be sure to study them carefully!
Responsibilities for Bicyclists
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You are responsible for the safe operation of your bike.
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Ride at a safe speed.
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Slow down in congested conditions, when your visibility is reduced and during other hazardous conditions.
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Travel in the same direction as vehicle traffic when in the roadway, the shoulder, or a bike lane.
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You may use the shoulder or bike lane but aren’t required to.
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You may travel on sidewalks unless prohibited by official signs or markings.
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Stop at signalized intersections.
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When safe, you may yield at stops signs instead of coming to a complete stop.
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Don’t travel more than two bikes wide when traveling on a roadway.
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Yield the right-of-way to any vehicle that has entered the intersection from a different road.
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The operator of the vehicle or bicycle on the left shall yield the right-of-way to the vehicle or bicycle
on the right when a bicyclist and a vehicle enter an intersection from different roadways.
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Yield to pedestrians including walkers and runners.
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Give audible warnings when passing by pedestrians and other bicyclists. Example: “On Your Left”.
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When riding a bicycle on a sidewalk or pushing it across the road at a crosswalk you have all the rights and responsibilities of a pedestrian.
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Equip your bike with a front white light and red rear light for better visibility, especially if you ride at night.
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Do not wear earbuds or a headset that covers both ears. If you are hearing impaired, wear a hearing aid while riding.
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Wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet while riding. If under 18 years old, it is required by law.
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Local ordinances may be stricter and carry fines. Verify with municipalities.
Responsibilities for Motorists
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Yield to pedestrians and bicyclists within a crosswalk.
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Fully, completely and entirely change lanes to pass a cyclist on most laned roads.
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Reduce your speed when passing a bicycle on a roadway.
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Give at least 3 feet of clearance when passing a bicycle within the lane on nonstriped lanes or when the roadway is wide enough.
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Look for bicyclists when opening doors.
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Do not honk when bicyclists pass unless there is an imminent danger of collision at intersections.
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Watch for children on bicycles as they are often unpredictable - expect the unexpected and slowdown. Most children do not have
adequate knowledge of traffic laws. Children are harder to see because they are typically smaller than adults, so pay attention.
Responsibilities for Pedestrians
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Cross at crosswalks.
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Use the right half of crosswalks.
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Walk on sidewalks or shared-use paths.
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If neither is available, walk on the road facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
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Do not stand on a roadway to conduct business or solicit a ride.
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Watch for other trail users and stay alert, especially when running.
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Listen to audible signals and allow faster trail users including runners and bicyclists to pass safely.
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When walking along a roadway at night, carry a flashlight or reflector.
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Wear bright colored clothing or a reflective vest if possible.
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Do not walk on a roadway, sidewalk or shared-use path when under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
HOW TO FIT A BIKE
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Lay your arm along the top bar with your elbow touching the seat. Your fingertips should just reach the handlebars.
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Straddle the bike. There should be about one inch between the top bar and your crotch.
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Adjust the seat so you can sit on the seat and balance on your toes.
HOW TO FIT A HELMET
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Place the helmet level on your head. It should be snug and over your forehead.
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Adjust the straps so when buckled it can’t move from side to side or back and forth.
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Check the fit leaving about one finger width of space between your chin and the chin strap.
An electric bicycle is a bicycle with two or three wheels that is equipped with fully operable pedals,
a seat, and an electric motor of less than or equal to 750 watts that meets the requirements of one of the following classes.
Electric bicycles may be ridden anywhere bicycles are allowed, including streets, highways, roadways, shoulders, bicycle lanes, bikeways and shared-use paths.
Electric bicycles are not permitted on sidewalks when the electric motor is in use.
Ride at a safe speed. Slow down in congested conditions, when visibility is reduced, and during other hazardous conditions.
ALERT: Some bicycles that look like E-bikes are mopeds or motorcycles.
Trail Etiquette
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No gas-powered vehicles or golf carts permitted.
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Stay to the right side of the trail except when otherwise designated.
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Keep right and pass on left.
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Always pass with care and use audible warnings.
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Always show courtesy to other trail users.
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Stop at all stop signs along the trails.
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Use only one ear bud to keep aware of your surroundings.
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Respect the rights of property owners.
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Do not litter - keep the trail clean.
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Keep dogs on leash (maximum length 6-feet)
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Remove pet waste from the trail.
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Carry charged cell phone.
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Tell friends and family where you are going.
In case of emergency dial 911. Use trail markers to identify your location. Look for trail markers on the post or pavement.
