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Bicycling is so popular in Washington state that it has been named the nation’s top “Bicycle Friendly State” by the League of American Bicyclists for seven years in a row.

The high number of bikes on roadways means that it’s crucial to be cautious and follow the law while riding. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about how to safely ride your bike in Washington state.

What are Washington State’s bicycle laws?

According to the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), which is the official law of the state, cyclists share the same rights and responsibilities on roadways that belong to all other types of drivers. This includes the duty to signal when turning and obeying stop signs and traffic lights. Washington state’s bike laws can be found in RCW § 46.61.

In addition, if you choose to ride your bicycle on a sidewalk – which is legal, but not advisable – you share all the same rights and responsibilities as pedestrians.

Anyone who violates the laws of the road can be ticketed.

How must bicyclists signal?

Bicyclists must signal to others that they intend to make a turn, just like all other drivers.

RCW 46.61.758 states that the following hand signals should be used to notify other people on the road of your intent to turn:

·         To turn left, extend your left hand and arm straight out to the side, horizontally. In order for drivers to see your hand signal, your arm must be parallel to the ground and stick out beyond the side of the bicycle, if safety permits. You can stick out all of your fingers or use just your pointer finger.

·         To turn right, you can either extend your left arm out at a 90-degree angle or hold your right arm out straight to the side. You should make your decision based on how easy it will be for other people on the road to see your hand signal.

·         If you intend to stop or decrease speed, extend either arm (whichever is easiest for other drivers to see) downward at a 90-degree angle with your hand pointed toward the road. 

All bicyclists should use hand signals before making a move to turn or to slow down in order to keep everyone safe on the road.

Do bicyclists have to wear helmets?

Washington state does not require bicyclists to wear a helmet. However, the state does allow individual counties to enact their own helmet laws, and some counties do mandate helmet use.

You should always check to see what the rules are before you set out on a long ride. If you pass through a county with different rules, you can be cited for not wearing a helmet.

Some counties enact helmet laws that apply to everyone, while others only apply to riders under age 17.

Can cyclists ride on every public road?

While Washington state is bike-friendly, it does not allow cyclists access to every public road. For example, many highway systems in the state of Washington are off-limits to bicyclists. Local governments are also permitted to ban bicycles from some roads as well, such as in business districts.

In large cities (such as Spokane and Seattle) no cyclists are permitted on some of their busiest highways. You can view them on the permanent bike restrictions map. These are high-speed, high-traffic roadways where bikes would cause safety concerns for drivers and potentially put riders themselves in danger.

It is always the rider’s responsibility to obey signs and understand the laws on each section of a bike route they plan to take.

What equipment must be used for night biking?

Cyclists who ride at night in Washington are required to make themselves visible to other people using the road. Each bicycle must be equipped with:

1)      A white front light visible for 500 feet away (this cannot be a simple reflector, it must be a light), AND

2)      A red rear reflector that is visible 600 feet away when in front of a vehicle’s low beam lights.

It is also advisable that bicyclists riding at night install a red rear light or an LED flashing tail light in addition to the required reflector.

Right of way

Bicyclists must follow the same rules of the road as motor vehicle drivers when it comes to who has the right-of-way. For example, if two vehicles pull up to a 4-way stop at the same time, the person on the left has the right of way, regardless of their vehicle.

However, bicyclists riding on a path, crosswalk, or sidewalk are required to yield to pedestrians. Bicyclists must also give an audible signal (such as their bike’s horn) before they move to pass a pedestrian on the sidewalk.

Other laws you should know while riding a bicycle in Washington

It’s important to familiarize yourself with Washington’s bicycle laws because cyclists who violate them can be ticketed. Even worse, it can be easy to cause an accident, and cyclists are more exposed to injury than motor vehicle drivers.

Here are a few more Washington state laws to keep in mind:

·         No cyclist may grab onto a moving vehicle

·         You may not sit anywhere other than the permanent, regular seat on your bicycle while operating it

·         You cannot carry passengers unless your bike is equipped with a seat designed for this purpose

·         While cyclists in Washington can choose to ride on a path, bike lane, shoulder, or travel lane, if you are traveling at a slow pace you must stay as close to the right side of the road as possible

·         Parents or guardians are responsible for accompanying children on bikes and cannot permit them to violate traffic laws

·         Bicyclists may ride side by side, but not more than two abreast except on designated bike paths

·         You may not carry any item that prevents you from having at least one hand on the bicycle’s handlebars at all times

Washington state is very bicycle-friendly. However, that doesn’t mean all motor vehicle drivers understand how to treat bicycles that are out on roadways. And while drivers should understand the bicycle laws too, the responsibility to stay safe generally falls on the bicycle rider. That’s why it’s key to have the right safety gear and follow the rules of the road.